What did the 14th Amendment guarantee to all citizens born in the USA?

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, is a crucial component of American constitutional law that established important protections for individuals born or naturalized in the United States. It explicitly guarantees "equal protection of the laws" and "due process of law" to all persons. This means that states cannot deny any person within their jurisdiction equal protection under the law, thus ensuring that all citizens are treated equally and that legal rights are upheld fairly.

These provisions were especially significant in the context of the post-Civil War era, as they aimed to secure rights for formerly enslaved individuals and promote civil rights for all citizens. The concept of due process ensures that all citizens have the right to fair legal proceedings, while equal protection prohibits states from discriminating against individuals based on characteristics like race or gender.

The other options do not align with the specific guarantees of the 14th Amendment. The right to vote regardless of gender is addressed in later amendments, particularly the 19th Amendment. The right to free education and the right to bear arms are not aspects covered by the 14th Amendment; education rights are often subject to state law and the Second Amendment addresses the right to bear arms. Thus, the correct answer authentically reflects the core principles laid