What rights are protected by the Fourteenth Amendment?

The Fourteenth Amendment is a vital part of the United States Constitution, primarily known for its role in ensuring equal protection under the law and extending due process to all individuals. One of the key aspects of the Fourteenth Amendment is the protection of the "privileges and immunities" of citizens. This clause is designed to ensure that states do not discriminate against citizens of other states, providing a form of legal protection for fundamental rights enjoyed by individuals.

By safeguarding the privileges and immunities of citizens, the Fourteenth Amendment aims to uphold the rights that allow individuals to participate fully in civic life—such as the right to travel between states, engage in commerce, and be treated equally under state laws. This protection becomes especially significant in the context of civil rights and social justice, as it has been a basis for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases.

The other options focus on specific rights or groups, such as explicit rights mentioned in the amendment, voting rights, or the economic rights of corporations, which do not encompass the broader intention and protections afforded by the Fourteenth Amendment, particularly regarding individual citizens' rights and privileges.