Which amendment declares that all persons born in the U.S. are citizens and guarantees equal protection of the laws?

Which amendment declares that all persons born in the U.S. are citizens and guarantees equal protection of the laws?

• A. Fourth Amendment
• B. Fifth Amendment
• C. Sixth Amendment
• D. Fourteenth Amendment

Answer: (D)

The essence is birthright citizenship paired with equal protection under the law. The Fourteenth Amendment includes the Citizenship Clause, which says that anyone born or naturalized in the United States is a citizen, ensuring that people born here have full citizenship. It also contains the Equal Protection Clause, which requires the states to treat people in similar situations equally under the law and to avoid denying rights without due process. This combination solidifies both who counts as a citizen and how laws must apply fairly to everyone. The other amendments address specific protections—search and seizure, rights to counsel and a fair trial, due process at the federal level—but do not establish birthright citizenship or the broad equality guarantee.