What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens? — Answer & Explanation

Official Question & Answer

Question

What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?

✦ OFFICIAL ANSWER ✦

14th Amendment

Why This Is the Answer

The 14th Amendment says that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are U.S. citizens. This is known as the citizenship clause.

Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment was one of three 'Reconstruction Amendments' (13th, 14th, 15th) passed after the Civil War. It was designed to grant citizenship to formerly enslaved people.

The 14th Amendment also includes the Equal Protection Clause — guaranteeing that no state can deny any person equal protection under the law. This clause has been used in landmark civil rights cases ever since.

💡 Interview Tip

Say: 'The 14th Amendment.'

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