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14th Amendment

Definition

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including former slaves, and guaranteed all citizens "equal protection of the laws."

Analogy

Think of the 14th Amendment as a protective umbrella. Just like an umbrella shields you from rain or sun, this amendment shields every citizen from being treated unfairly by the law. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from; under this 'umbrella', everyone gets equal protection.

Related terms

Civil Rights Act of 1866: This was a federal law that granted citizenship to all male persons in the United States "without distinction of race or color, or previous condition of slavery or involuntary servitude."

Equal Protection Clause: A part of the 14th Amendment stating that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws".

Due Process Clause: Also part of the 14th Amendment, it prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.