Which amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides for equal protection under the law?

The Fourteenth Amendment is significant because it explicitly establishes the principle of equal protection under the law. This amendment was ratified in 1868, primarily in response to the issues of slavery and the rights of former slaves following the Civil War. The Equal Protection Clause within this amendment mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This foundation is crucial for combating discrimination and ensuring that individuals receive fair treatment regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

In contrast, the First Amendment primarily addresses freedoms related to speech, religion, and assembly. The Fifth Amendment includes protections against self-incrimination and guarantees due process but does not specifically focus on equal protection. The Ninth Amendment acknowledges that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not negate others retained by the people, which also does not pertain directly to equal protection. The Fourteenth Amendment, therefore, plays a central role in shaping civil rights and liberties in the United States by ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law.