According to the 14th Amendment, what is ensured to all citizens?

The 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution is a significant piece of legislation that addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law. The key provision of this amendment, often referred to as the Equal Protection Clause, states that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws." This clause is foundational in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics, are treated equally by the law. It serves as a vital legal framework for challenging discriminatory practices and protecting civil rights.

The other options relate to important rights, but they are not directly ensured by the 14th Amendment in the same way. For instance, the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of criminal law, ensuring that an accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty, but it doesn't stem from the 14th Amendment itself. The right to an expeditious trial is addressed in the 6th Amendment, focusing on the rights of individuals in criminal prosecutions, rather than citizenship rights more broadly. Lastly, the right to vote is not explicitly guaranteed by the 14th Amendment; it is addressed in other amendments. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the central tenet of the 14th Amendment, which is