GED Social Studies - 14th Amendment
Data Absorbing > Given Paragraph > Speech
Important Instructions
Please read and answer 26 Questions carefully within
TIME LIMIT 30 min .
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, was a crucial development in the expansion of civil rights. This Amendment established citizenship rights for all persons born or naturalized in the United States and promised all citizens "equal protection under the laws." The 14th Amendment was a cornerstone in the fight for civil rights, as it aimed to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race or background, received fair treatment under the law.
This legislative measure fundamentally reshaped American democracy by prohibiting states from denying any person their life, liberty, or property without due process. Over time, the principles established by the 14th Amendment have been invoked in various landmark Supreme Court cases to challenge discriminatory practices and uphold individual freedoms, thus remaining a vital part of America's ongoing struggle for equality.
Notable Speeches Related to the 14th Amendment
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Woodrow Wilson - "The New Freedom" (1913)
- Context: President Wilson emphasized reforms that were essential for democracy, highlighting the need for the direct election of Senators.
- Speech:
“We shall have to enter... into an era of a new freedom... This is the only way we can secure a system of government that is truly representative.”
- Full Text: The New Freedom
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Martin Luther King Jr. - "I Have a Dream" (1963)
- Context: Dr. King's speech during the March on Washington addressed issues of racial equality and civil rights.
- Speech:
“I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.”
- Full Text: I Have a Dream
This compilation reflects key thoughts during the Progressive Era and the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing the call for direct democracy and political reform that culminated in the passage of the 14th Amendment.
Year | Event | Description | Significance |
---|---|---|---|
1868 | Ratification of the 14th Amendment | Established citizenship for all persons born in the U.S. and offered equal protection under the laws. | This laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements, ensuring that states could not infringe upon the rights of individuals. |
1954 | Brown v. Board of Education | Supreme Court decision declaring segregated public schools unconstitutional, citing the 14th Amendment. | This case overturned "separate but equal" and ignited further civil rights activism. |
1964 | Civil Rights Act | Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. | This act reinforced the principles of equal protection under the 14th Amendment. |
1971 | Reed v. Reed | Supreme Court ruled that a law preferring men over women as estate executors violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. | This case was significant for women's rights, as it marked the first time the Court applied the Equal Protection Clause to gender discrimination. |
2015 | Obergefell v. Hodges | Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment. | This decision affirmed marriage equality across the United States and was a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ rights. |