Which amendment guarantees equal protection under the law and due process for all citizens?

Which amendment guarantees equal protection under the law and due process for all citizens?

• A. The Fourteenth Amendment
• B. The Fifth Amendment
• C. The First Amendment
• D. The Eighth Amendment

Answer: (A)

The fundamental protection here comes from the Fourteenth Amendment, which includes both an Equal Protection Clause and a Due Process Clause that apply to state action. The Equal Protection Clause bars states from treating people differently without a valid, legitimate reason, ensuring laws are applied fairly to all citizens. The Due Process Clause requires states to follow fair procedures and protects individuals from deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process. Together, these provisions guarantee that state governments treat citizens equally and uphold basic rights. The Fifth Amendment also provides due process, but it does not contain an explicit equal protection guarantee and applies to the federal government, not the states. Other amendments focus on different rights, not the combination of equal protection and due process for all citizens.

The fundamental protection here comes from the Fourteenth Amendment, which includes both an Equal Protection Clause and a Due Process Clause that apply to state action. The Equal Protection Clause bars states from treating people differently without a valid, legitimate reason, ensuring laws are applied fairly to all citizens. The Due Process Clause requires states to follow fair procedures and protects individuals from deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process. Together, these provisions guarantee that state governments treat citizens equally and uphold basic rights. The Fifth Amendment also provides due process, but it does not contain an explicit equal protection guarantee and applies to the federal government, not the states. Other amendments focus on different rights, not the combination of equal protection and due process for all citizens.