Which amendment assures no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process?

The Fourteenth Amendment is crucial in safeguarding individuals' rights against state actions, as it specifically states that no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This amendment was adopted in 1868, primarily to protect former slaves and ensure that all people, regardless of their background, had certain fundamental rights guaranteed to them. The inclusion of "due process" is significant because it establishes that legal proceedings must be fair and that individuals must be given notice and an opportunity to be heard before they can be deprived of their rights.

In contrast, other amendments listed do not pertain to due process in the context of state actions. The Twelfth Amendment relates to the electoral process, particularly the election of the President and Vice President. The Sixteenth Amendment grants Congress the authority to impose income taxes without apportioning it among the states, and the Tenth Amendment emphasizes the rights retained by the states and the people. Understanding the specific functions and protections offered by each amendment is essential for recognizing how they collectively shape citizens' rights.