Washington State Correctional Officer Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of the 14th amendment?

1. Establishment of judicial powers

2. Citizenship and equal rights

3. Protection of free speech

4. Regulation of state militia

The correct answer is: Citizenship and equal rights

The primary focus of the 14th Amendment is citizenship and equal rights. Ratified in 1868, this amendment was a significant part of the Reconstruction Era legislation aimed at addressing the issues arising from the Civil War, particularly concerning the rights of former slaves. The amendment guarantees that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens, thus providing a strong foundation for equality under the law. Additionally, the 14th Amendment includes the Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This has been a crucial element in many landmark Supreme Court cases concerning civil rights and desegregation. The other options pertain to different aspects of governance or rights that are not the main focus of the 14th Amendment. For example, the establishment of judicial powers is more closely related to the framework of the Constitution and subsequent amendments. Protection of free speech is primarily addressed in the 1st Amendment, and the regulation of state militia is associated with the 2nd Amendment and other provisions concerning state rights.