Fourteenth Amendment
Addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law
Real World Example
The Fourteenth Amendment, adopted in 1868 during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War, aimed to address issues of citizenship and equal rights for former slaves. It was crucial at the time because it provided a legal foundation for protecting the rights of African Americans and ensuring they were treated as equal citizens under the law. This amendment responded to the widespread discrimination and unequal treatment that Black Americans faced, particularly in the Southern states. Today, the Fourteenth Amendment remains important as it continues to protect individuals against discrimination and supports civil rights movements. For example, it played a key role in the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015, ensuring that all couples have the right to marry, regardless of gender.
