What does the 14th Amendment ensure for all citizens?

What does the 14th Amendment ensure for all citizens?

• A. Voting rights for all men
• B. Equal protection under the law
• C. Right to privacy
• D. Protection against cruel punishment

Answer: (B)

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution plays a critical role in affirming civil rights and liberties for all citizens. It guarantees equal protection under the law, which means that no individual or group should be treated differently under the law compared to others. This principle aims at preventing discrimination and ensuring fairness within the legal system. The amendment was ratified in 1868, primarily to secure rights for former slaves after the Civil War, and has since been the foundation for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that expanded civil rights. For example, it has been cited in decisions regarding racial equality, gender discrimination, and marriage rights, illustrating its broad implications in promoting justice and equality. By guaranteeing equal protection under the law, the 14th Amendment reinforces the idea that every citizen has the right to be treated equally by state and federal laws, solidifying its importance in the pursuit of civil rights in America.

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution plays a critical role in affirming civil rights and liberties for all citizens. It guarantees equal protection under the law, which means that no individual or group should be treated differently under the law compared to others. This principle aims at preventing discrimination and ensuring fairness within the legal system.

The amendment was ratified in 1868, primarily to secure rights for former slaves after the Civil War, and has since been the foundation for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that expanded civil rights. For example, it has been cited in decisions regarding racial equality, gender discrimination, and marriage rights, illustrating its broad implications in promoting justice and equality.

By guaranteeing equal protection under the law, the 14th Amendment reinforces the idea that every citizen has the right to be treated equally by state and federal laws, solidifying its importance in the pursuit of civil rights in America.