Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does the 14th Amendment guarantee?

1. Freedom of speech for all individuals

2. Right to bear arms

3. All persons born in the U.S. are citizens and have equal protection of the laws

4. Protection against unreasonable searches

The correct answer is: All persons born in the U.S. are citizens and have equal protection of the laws

The 14th Amendment is a critical component of the United States Constitution that specifically addresses citizenship and the rights of citizens. It guarantees that all individuals born or naturalized in the U.S. are recognized as citizens. This provision ensures that these citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law, meaning that the law must treat individuals equally regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. This amendment was pivotal during the Reconstruction Era, aiming to secure the rights of formerly enslaved individuals and affirming their status as citizens with full legal rights. The equal protection clause has been the foundation for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that have addressed civil rights and equality issues in the United States. In contrast, the other options refer to rights protected by different amendments or legal principles. Freedom of speech is addressed in the First Amendment, the right to bear arms is covered under the Second Amendment, and protection against unreasonable searches is established in the Fourth Amendment. Therefore, option C accurately represents the essence and guarantees of the 14th Amendment.