Impact of the 14th Amendment on Civil Rights

Very Hard Period 5: 1844–1877 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments

In the post-Civil War period, the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments aimed to redefine the legal landscape in the United States, particularly concerning issues of slavery, citizenship, and voting rights. A key question arises regarding the significance and eventual interpretation of these amendments. Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of the 14th Amendment on civil rights in the years immediately following its ratification?

The 14th Amendment solely established the principle of due process, leading to immediate reforms in legal protections for all citizens.

The 14th Amendment explicitly granted suffrage to African American men, thereby removing all barriers to voting based on race.

The 14th Amendment expanded the definition of citizenship and provided equal protection under the law, laying a foundation for future civil rights litigation.

The 14th Amendment was instrumental in enabling Southern states to maintain black codes, circumventing its intent towards inclusivity.

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