14th Amendment Key Concepts and Implications

The video discusses the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) following the Civil War, focusing on the 14th Amendment's impact on citizenship, equal protection, and due process. It explains the incorporation of the Bill of Rights to apply to states and highlights the unenforced Section 2 of the 14th Amendment, intended to protect voting rights. The video also explores the tension between Congress and the judiciary in enforcing these amendments, with Congress initially taking the lead but facing challenges from the courts.

Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

• 16th Amendment

• 14th Amendment

• 13th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

What did the first section of the 14th Amendment achieve?

• It established the income tax.

• It abolished slavery.

• It granted citizenship to all born in the U.S.

• It prohibited race discrimination in voting.

Which clause of the 14th Amendment has been the most litigated?

• Commerce Clause

• Establishment Clause

• Equal Protection Clause

• Privileges or Immunities Clause

What is the significance of the Due Process Clause in the 14th Amendment?

• It has been crucial in incorporating the Bill of Rights against the states.

• It limits the actions of the federal government only.

• It prohibits the quartering of soldiers.

• It allows states to deny equal protection.

Which amendment has not been incorporated against the states?

• First Amendment

• Fourth Amendment

• Second Amendment

• Third Amendment

What was the intended purpose of Section 2 of the 14th Amendment?

• To limit presidential terms

• To abolish slavery

• To ensure voting rights for African Americans

• To establish income tax

Why was Section 2 of the 14th Amendment never enforced?

• Congress never fully pursued its enforcement.

• It was deemed unconstitutional.

• It was only applicable during wartime.

• It was repealed shortly after its introduction.

What power does Section 5 of the 14th Amendment grant to Congress?

• The power to enforce the amendment through appropriate measures

• The power to declare war

• The power to appoint judges

• The power to levy taxes

What was the prevailing attitude towards Congress and the courts during the drafting of the Reconstruction Amendments?

• The amendments were not meant to be enforced.

• Both Congress and the courts were equally trusted.

• Congress was seen as the primary enforcer of the amendments.

• The courts were trusted to enforce the amendments.

What was the reaction of the judiciary to the Reconstruction Amendments?

• They expanded their scope beyond the original intent.

• They ignored them completely.

• They immediately began to peel back protections.

• They fully supported and enforced them.