The Fourteenth Amendment (US Constitution)

The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, is a key part of the U.S. Constitution that addresses citizenship and equal protection under the law. It grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., ensuring that states cannot violate individuals' rights without due process. It also mandates equal protection, prohibiting discrimination by states. This amendment has been vital in advancing civil rights, influencing landmark Supreme Court cases concerning race, gender, and marriage equality, thus shaping modern interpretations of equality and justice in America.