What does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee?

The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, primarily guarantees equal protection under the law. This means that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws." This clause has been a cornerstone in numerous legal cases addressing issues of discrimination and civil rights, ensuring that individuals in similar situations are treated equally by the law, regardless of race, color, or other characteristics.

The amendment was significant during the Reconstruction era, and it has continued to impact various aspects of civil rights movements throughout American history. It has underpinned landmark Supreme Court decisions, affirming rights for various groups and challenging discriminatory practices.

While the other options refer to important rights protected by different amendments—such as voting rights (Fifteenth Amendment), freedom of speech (First Amendment), and the right to bear arms (Second Amendment)—none encompass the broad principle of equal protection that the Fourteenth Amendment directly addresses. This is why the correct answer reflects the Amendment's critical role in promoting fairness under the law for all individuals.