Fourteenth Amendment

Definition

The Fourteenth Amendment is a constitutional provision ratified in 1868 that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and ensures equal protection under the law. This amendment plays a vital role in shaping judicial review and constitutional interpretation by establishing the basis for many landmark Supreme Court decisions that address civil rights and liberties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Fourteenth Amendment was adopted as part of the Reconstruction Amendments after the Civil War to address issues related to former slaves.
2. It has been the foundation for numerous Supreme Court cases regarding civil rights, including Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
3. The amendment's Equal Protection Clause has been pivotal in cases involving discrimination and has played a critical role in advancing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
4. The incorporation doctrine uses the Fourteenth Amendment to apply federal rights to state laws, ensuring that individual rights are protected from state infringement.
5. Judicial interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment has evolved over time, reflecting changing societal values and legal standards regarding equality and justice.

Review Questions

• How does the Fourteenth Amendment influence judicial review and constitutional interpretation?
  • The Fourteenth Amendment significantly influences judicial review and constitutional interpretation by establishing critical frameworks like the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause. These provisions serve as benchmarks for courts when evaluating whether laws or state actions violate citizens' rights. Landmark Supreme Court cases leveraging these clauses have set important precedents, helping shape how courts assess civil rights issues and their application in contemporary society.
• Discuss how the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment has been applied in landmark Supreme Court cases.
  • The Equal Protection Clause has been central to many landmark Supreme Court cases, particularly those addressing racial discrimination. For example, in Brown v. Board of Education, the Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated this clause, marking a significant turning point in civil rights. This application demonstrates how the clause has been used to dismantle systemic inequalities and expand protections against discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.
• Evaluate the impact of the Fourteenth Amendment on civil rights movements throughout American history.
  • The Fourteenth Amendment has profoundly impacted civil rights movements by providing a constitutional basis for challenging discriminatory laws and practices. Its provisions have been invoked by activists seeking to secure equality for various marginalized groups, from African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement to women advocating for gender equality and LGBTQ+ individuals fighting for recognition and rights. The ongoing interpretations of this amendment continue to inspire and empower movements for social justice and equality across the nation.

Related terms

Equal Protection Clause: A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Due Process Clause: Another key provision in the Fourteenth Amendment that guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, heavily influenced by the principles established in the Fourteenth Amendment.