Which amendment establishes citizenship and equality for individuals?

The 14th Amendment is pivotal in establishing citizenship and equality for individuals in the United States. Ratified in 1868, this amendment broadens the definition of citizenship by granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. Furthermore, it provides that no state shall make or enforce any law that abridges the privileges or immunities of citizens, nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

This amendment has been critical in various landmark Supreme Court cases that address civil rights and liberties, reinforcing the principle of equality under the law. The implications of the 14th Amendment continue to affect numerous aspects of law and society, forming a cornerstone for many civil rights advancements.

The other amendments mentioned have important roles but do not specifically establish citizenship and equality in the same way the 14th Amendment does. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 15th Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, and the 16th Amendment relates to income tax. While each of these amendments addresses significant issues, none encompass the broader scope of citizenship and equal protection provided by the 14th