Which amendment is associated with birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law in the context of former slaves?

• A. Thirteenth Amendment
• B. Seventeenth Amendment
• C. Fourteenth Amendment
• D. Fifteenth Amendment

Answer: (C)

Birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law for former slaves are addressed by the Fourteenth Amendment. Its Citizenship Clause says that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens, granting birthright citizenship to those who were formerly enslaved. Its Equal Protection Clause requires states to treat people equally under the law, preventing discrimination against citizens. It also extends due process protections, reinforcing that individuals cannot be deprived of their rights without lawful procedures. The Thirteenth Amendment ends slavery, but does not establish citizenship or broad equal protection; the Seventeenth Amendment deals with the election of senators, and the Fifteenth protects voting rights but does not establish the citizenship and equal-protection framework.