What does the 14th Amendment guarantee citizens?

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, is a critical piece of American constitutional law that guarantees several important protections for citizens. Specifically, it ensures the right to due process and equal protection under the law. This means that no state can deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and it mandates that individuals in similar situations be treated equally. This amendment has been foundational in various landmark Supreme Court cases that aimed to protect civil rights and provide equal treatment under the law, reinforcing the principle that all individuals are entitled to fair legal processes and protections.

In contrast, the other options refer to rights that stem from different amendments. The right to bear arms is derived from the Second Amendment, freedom of speech is covered under the First Amendment, and the right to a speedy trial is part of the Sixth Amendment. Each of these rights addresses distinct areas of individual freedom, but they do not pertain to the guarantees outlined in the 14th Amendment, making the correct choice focused on due process and equal protection.