The 14th Amendment: Who Is Really a Citizen?

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is one of American history’s most consequential and hotly debated amendments. Ratified on July 9, 1868, after the Civil War, it fundamentally reshaped the relationship between individuals and the government, particularly regarding citizenship.

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The 14th Amendment: Who Is Really a Citizen?

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is one of American history's most consequential and hotly debated amendments. Ratified on July 9, 1868, in the aftermath of the Civil War, it fundamentally reshaped the relationship between individuals and the government, particularly regarding citizenship. But what does the 14th Amendment say about who is a citizen? Let’s break it down and explore its enduring significance.

What the 14th Amendment Says About Citizenship

The opening sentence of the 14th Amendment’s first section is unambiguous and revolutionary:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the…