What does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee?

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees civil rights for all citizens by providing a broad range of protections and ensuring that states cannot infringe upon these rights. Ratified in 1868, it includes several important provisions, such as the Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This was a significant step in the fight for civil rights, particularly for formerly enslaved individuals and other marginalized groups, as it aimed to secure their legal and social status as full citizens.

The intent behind the Fourteenth Amendment was to promote equality and protect fundamental rights under the law, making it a pivotal element in the expansion of civil rights throughout American history. Its influence is evident in numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped civil rights legislation and practices.