Which amendment prohibits states from denying any person equal protection of the laws?

• A. Amendment 12
• B. Amendment 13
• C. Amendment 14
• D. Amendment 15

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that equal protection under the law is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment. Its Equal Protection Clause states that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This means states must apply laws fairly and cannot treat people differently without a legitimate, constitutional reason. Ratified after the Civil War, this amendment was designed to protect newly freed individuals and, through later incorporation, to extend many rights to individuals against state action. The other amendments mentioned address different issues: one deals with the method of electing the president, another abolished slavery, and another prohibited voting discrimination based on race.