What is article 14 of the Constitution?

Asked by: Ms. Heidi Spencer II  |  Last update: May 24, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (33 votes)

Article 14, most famously the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, grants citizenship and guarantees all citizens "equal protection of the laws" and due process, applying federal rights to the states, crucial for civil rights after the Civil War, while other nations (like South Africa) have Article 14 focusing on privacy or asylum rights.

What is Amendment 14 in simple terms?

The 14th Amendment simplifies to guaranteeing citizenship and equal rights for everyone born or naturalized in the U.S., ensuring states can't deny anyone "life, liberty, or property" without fair legal procedures (Due Process) or deny anyone Equal Protection of the Laws, essentially extending federal rights to the states. It's a cornerstone for civil rights, making sure states treat all people fairly. 

What does Article 14 of the Constitution provide?

1.1 Article 14 of the Constitution of India reads as under: “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”

What does section 3 of the 14th Amendment say?

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies anyone who, after taking an oath to support the U.S. Constitution, has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S., or given aid to its enemies, from holding federal or state office, including Congress, the Presidency, or other civil/military posts, though Congress can remove this disability with a two-thirds vote. Enacted after the Civil War, it prevents former officials who supported the Confederacy from regaining power, barring them from future public service unless Congress votes to lift the ban. 

Can you be a state citizen and not a US citizen?

No, you generally cannot be a citizen of a U.S. state without also being a U.S. citizen, because state citizenship stems from U.S. national citizenship; however, some people born in U.S. territories like American Samoa become U.S. "non-citizen nationals" (not citizens), and there are fringe "sovereign citizen" beliefs about state citizenship, but these lack legal standing. U.S. law ties state citizenship directly to U.S. citizenship, meaning if you're a citizen of a state, you are also a U.S. citizen, though not all U.S. nationals are citizens.
 

Article 14 Fundamental Right Indian Constitution | With Case Laws | 14(1) & 14(2)

18 related questions found

Which Amendment gives the right to overthrow the government?

“From the floor of the House of Representatives to Truth Social, my GOP colleagues routinely assert that the Second Amendment is about 'the ability to maintain an armed rebellion against the government if that becomes necessary,' that it was 'designed purposefully to empower the people to be able to resist the force of ...

Do sovereign citizens pay taxes?

No, sovereign citizens typically refuse to pay taxes, believing their pseudo-legal theories exempt them from federal and state laws, but their claims are baseless, and they still face legal consequences like IRS action, fines, and imprisonment for tax evasion and related fraud. They argue they're not subject to U.S. laws, but courts consistently reject these arguments, upholding that all persons born in the U.S. are subject to federal taxation, as per the 14th Amendment.
 

Who can override the president?

Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, making a bill law without the President's signature, while the Vice President and Cabinet (or a majority of Congress) can temporarily remove a President from office if deemed unable to perform duties under the 25th Amendment. Congress also checks presidential power through its power to declare war, control the budget, and provide \"advice and consent\" on appointments and treaties, with the Judiciary reviewing executive actions. 

Do I have the right to travel freely?

The Supreme Court has recognized that the right of interstate movement is a fundamental right protected by the constitution. United States v. Guest, 383 U.S. 745, 767 (1966). The freedom of movement “is the very essence of our free society, setting us apart.

Who can declare the president unable to fulfill presidential duties?

The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet (or another body Congress designates) can declare a President incompetent under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, immediately making the VP acting President, but Congress can overrule this with a two-thirds vote of both Houses if the President contests it. This process, designed for involuntary removal of power, has never been fully invoked, though Section 3 (voluntary transfer) has been used for temporary incapacitation, like during surgery. 

Who is protected by article 14?

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.

How is Article 14 enforced?

The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

What are the key concepts of Article 14?

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.

Why is the 14th Amendment so controversial?

The 14th Amendment remains controversial due to debates over its application, particularly regarding sex equality, the scope of "privileges or immunities," and its use in defining rights like abortion, sparking disagreement between those seeking broad protections and those fearing judicial overreach, while its Reconstruction-era ratification also faced Southern opposition, all contributing to ongoing legal and cultural battles over citizenship and rights. 

What happens if someone violates the Constitution?

This will typically be in the form of a lawsuit against the party that violated your constitutional rights. Generally, that would include the police officer who arrested you, though there are other players in your situation who could be liable.

What does title IX say?

Title IX states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance[.]” All federal agencies that provide grants of financial assistance ...

Does the Constitution say you don't need a driver's license?

No, the U.S. Constitution does not say you don't need a driver's license; in fact, it's silent on driving, and courts have consistently upheld state requirements for licenses as a valid exercise of public safety power, viewing driving on public roads as a privilege, not an inherent right, with the 14th Amendment's right to travel applying to movement, not operating a vehicle. States regulate driving under their "police power," and a license is required to operate a motor vehicle on public roads for safety, though you can travel as a passenger or on private property without one. 

Is it true you don't need a driver's license to travel?

As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights. Travelers who fail to produce a REAL ID or an accepted alternative may not be allowed through TSA security checkpoints.

Is it a constitutional right to travel without a driver's license?

In a very general sense, the right to travel within the United States is recognized as a natural right that does not require a license. However, there is no comparable right to travel outside the country.

Can the President fire the vice president?

The Constitution of the United States gives Congress the authority to remove the vice president of the United States from office in two separate proceedings.

Has any President ignored a Supreme Court ruling?

Yes, presidents have ignored or defied Supreme Court rulings, most famously Andrew Jackson with the Cherokee Nation (Trail of Tears) and Abraham Lincoln by suspending habeas corpus, but this is rare and often leads to constitutional crises, with recent instances involving defiance in deportation cases under the Trump administration. Other examples include governors defying rulings on segregation (Faubus, Barnett) and FDR's stance on military tribunals, highlighting ongoing tensions between executive power and judicial authority. 

How much does the VP make?

The salary for the U.S. Vice President is officially set at $284,600 but has been effectively frozen at $235,100 since 2019, according to sources https://www.ntu.org/foundation/tax-page/salaries-for-members-of-congress-supreme-court-justices-and-the-president, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-much-is-the-vice-president-paid/, https://www.businessinsider.com/vice-president-perks-2020-12, https://www.rollfi.xyz/blog/how-much-are-the-president-and-vice-president-paid, and others as of early 2026, while general corporate Vice President salaries vary widely by industry, company, location, and experience, averaging around $157,000-$172,000 but reaching over $480,000 in tech, according to ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor.

Can I legally refuse to pay federal taxes?

Yes, it is illegal to deliberately not pay federal taxes; it's considered tax evasion, a serious crime with severe penalties like large fines, interest, wage garnishment, property seizure, and even prison time for tax evasion or willfully failing to file. While the U.S. tax system is considered "voluntary," this means citizens must report income and pay taxes, not that they can choose not to, and using frivolous arguments to avoid payment carries criminal consequences, say IRS.gov and IRS.gov. 

Do sovereign citizens have to have a driver's license?

1. Refusing to Show a Driver's License. Sovereign citizens commonly refuse to present a valid driver's license when pulled over, claiming they are not required to under “common law” or because they are “traveling,” not driving.

How to avoid 40% tax?

To legally lower your 40% tax bracket, focus on reducing your taxable income through retirement contributions (401(k), IRA, HSA), utilizing tax credits, maximizing deductions (charitable giving, home office), deferring income, and strategic investments like municipal bonds or tax-loss harvesting. These methods shift income or provide credits, effectively lowering the percentage of your income the government taxes at higher rates.