What does the 14th Amendment guarantee?

• A. The right to own property
• B. Equal protection under the law for all persons born in the U.S.
• C. The right to free speech
• D. Voting rights for all citizens

Answer: (B)

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, provides several important protections, among which is the guarantee of equal protection under the law for all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. This clause is fundamental in preventing discrimination and ensuring that states do not deny any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The significance of this amendment is that it extends the protections of the Bill of Rights to include state actions, which was a notable shift in emphasizing individual rights at both the federal and state levels.

The phrase "equal protection of the laws" has been pivotal in numerous landmark Supreme Court cases, addressing issues of racial segregation, gender discrimination, and more, making it a cornerstone of civil rights in America. Therefore, the correct answer directly reflects the principle of equality that the 14th Amendment embodies.