Understanding the Fourteenth Amendment

The podcast '60-Second Civics' discusses the Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, which established African Americans as full citizens of the United States. It required former Confederate states to ratify the amendment to regain Congressional representation. Section 1 of the amendment ensures citizenship for all born or naturalized in the U.S. and prohibits states from infringing on citizens' rights. Despite its passage, discrimination persisted, and the civil rights struggle continued into the 20th century. The amendment also began the process of applying the Bill of Rights to state governments.

What was a significant fear of the Confederacy regarding the Fourteenth Amendment?

• It would lead to the abolition of slavery.

• It would increase taxes on Southern states.

• It would grant African Americans full citizenship.

• It would allow women to vote.

What was required of former Confederate states to regain representation in Congress?

• To abolish slavery

• To pay reparations

• To elect new governors

• To ratify the Fourteenth Amendment

According to Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment, who are considered citizens of the United States?

• Only those born in the United States

• Only those who own property

• All persons born or naturalized in the United States

• Only those who pay taxes

What does the Fourteenth Amendment prohibit states from doing?

• Enforcing laws that abridge privileges of citizens

• Creating new states

• Imposing federal taxes

• Declaring war

What is the process of incorporation as it relates to the Fourteenth Amendment?

• Abolishing state governments

• Applying state laws to the national government

• Applying the Bill of Rights protections to state governments

• Creating new amendments

Initially, to whom did the Bill of Rights apply before the process of incorporation?

• National government

• International bodies

• Local governments

• State governments

Despite the Fourteenth Amendment, what continued to happen in states?

• Abolition of all discriminatory laws

• Fair treatment of all citizens

• Unfair discrimination against African Americans

• Immediate equality for all

What does the ongoing struggle for civil rights suggest about the Fourteenth Amendment?

• It only applied to Northern states

• It was never implemented

• Equal protection under the law is still not fully achieved

• It completely solved all issues of discrimination

What is the main focus of the Fourteenth Amendment?

• To create new states

• To regulate commerce

• To ensure equal protection and due process

• To establish a national bank