What does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee to citizens?

The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is a crucial part of civil rights legislation that was ratified in 1868. It guarantees, among other things, the right to due process and equal protection under the law for all citizens. This means that individuals cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without legal proceedings that follow established rules and principles, ensuring fair treatment. The equal protection clause stipulates that individuals in similar situations should be treated equally by the law, which forms the foundation for many civil rights rulings and legislation aimed at preventing discrimination.

The other options relate to different amendments: the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment, freedom of speech falls under the First Amendment, and the right to privacy is inferred from several amendments but is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. Understanding the specifics of the Fourteenth Amendment is essential for recognizing its role in protecting citizens' rights and addressing inequalities in legal standing.