What does the 14th Amendment guarantee regarding persons born in the United States, and what must states do?

What does the 14th Amendment guarantee regarding persons born in the United States, and what must states do?

• A. Right to bear arms
• B. Protection against unreasonable search
• C. Right to a speedy trial
• D. Declares that all persons born in the U.S. are citizens and are guaranteed equal protection of the laws. States must follow federal precedent.

Answer: (D)

Birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law are what the 14th Amendment establishes. It declares that all persons born in the United States are citizens, and it guarantees that they will be treated equally under the law. Because of this, states must apply federal constitutional standards and follow federal precedent when shaping or enforcing laws, ensuring citizens receive equal protection and due process. The other options point to rights protected by different amendments, not to birthright citizenship or equal protection.

Birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law are what the 14th Amendment establishes. It declares that all persons born in the United States are citizens, and it guarantees that they will be treated equally under the law. Because of this, states must apply federal constitutional standards and follow federal precedent when shaping or enforcing laws, ensuring citizens receive equal protection and due process. The other options point to rights protected by different amendments, not to birthright citizenship or equal protection.