What does the Fourteenth Amendment protect?

The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is primarily concerned with protecting the rights of individuals against infringement by the states. It encompasses several key provisions, but one of its most significant aspects is the protection of the rights to life, liberty, and property. This is articulated through the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, which ensure that no person is deprived of these fundamental rights without proper legal procedures and guarantees equality under the law.

The amendment effectively extends the protections of the Bill of Rights to include actions taken by state governments, reinforcing that individuals are entitled to fair treatment and safeguards against arbitrary deprivation of their rights. The significance of this amendment lies in its role in combating discrimination and protecting civil rights, making it a cornerstone of American legal and constitutional protection.

Other options represent rights that are protected under different amendments; for example, the right to vote is addressed in various amendments including the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments, the right to a speedy trial is covered under the Sixth Amendment, and the right to bear arms is found in the Second Amendment.