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Fourteenth Amendment

Definition

The Fourteenth Amendment is a part of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees equal protection under the law and extends citizenship rights.

Analogy

Think of the Fourteenth Amendment as a safety net at a trapeze show. It's there to ensure that all performers (citizens) are protected equally, regardless of their act (race, religion, gender etc.).

Related terms

Due Process Clause: This clause in the 14th Amendment protects citizens from arbitrary denial of life, liberty or property by government - it's like an extra safety measure for our trapeze artists.

Incorporation Doctrine: This legal principle applies Bill of Rights protections to state laws - kind of like extending our safety net to cover all performances at different venues (states).

Jim Crow Laws: These were state and local laws enforcing racial segregation in Southern United States until 1965 - imagine if they tried to separate trapeze artists based on their costume colors; this would be unfair and against the spirit of equal protection offered by our safety net (the 14th amendment).

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.