What's Happening?
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, significantly altered the balance of power between state and federal governments by ensuring that states could not infringe upon the privileges or immunities of U.S. citizens. This amendment was introduced to apply
the Bill of Rights and other unenumerated rights against the states, a shift from the original Constitution where states had more freedom to impose restrictive laws. The Supreme Court's decision in Barron v. Baltimore in 1833 had previously affirmed that the Bill of Rights applied only to the federal government. However, the 14th Amendment, as explained by Senator Jacob Howard, was designed to restrict state power and ensure respect for fundamental guarantees. This understanding was later affirmed in the 1925 case of Gitlow v. New York, establishing that the First Amendment binds both federal and state governments.
Why It's Important?
The 14th Amendment's application of the Bill of Rights to the states marked a pivotal shift in American constitutional law, ensuring that individual rights are protected from state infringement. This has profound implications for civil liberties, as it prevents states from enacting laws that could violate fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, and religion. The amendment has been instrumental in numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that have expanded civil rights and liberties, shaping the legal landscape of the United States. By limiting state power, the amendment ensures a uniform standard of rights across the nation, promoting equality and justice.
