This activity is part of Module 14: The 14th Amendment: Battles for Freedom and Equality from the Constitution 101 Curriculum.
The 14th Amendment’s powerful language transformed the Constitution forever. In this activity, you will analyze the text of the 14th Amendment, break down its key parts, and explore the big ideas enshrined in its text.
Read and Sections 1 and 5 of the 14th Amendment. Summarize the big ideas for each section in one or two sentences. Consider significant words, key ideas, or words you need to define. Discuss as a class.
Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Section 5
The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Read the text of your assigned clause and the relevant Common Interpretation essay in the Interactive Constitution. Write down the following items for your assigned clause. Be prepared to share your clause with the class.
- Text of 14th Amendment
- Name of clause
- Big idea of the clause
- Three words from the text that you highlighted or underlined
- Notes
