The Fourteenth Amendment Is a Broadly Worded and Widely Utilized

question 12

Multiple Choice

The Fourteenth Amendment is a broadly worded and widely utilized law. Its original intent, however, was to ______.

• A) protect freed slaves from discriminatory state laws
• B) ensure that the needs of the state governments were protected
• C) protect President Lincoln from impeachment during a time of war
• D) give citizens powerful rights against the government
• E) protect the government from overly aggressive citizens

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Definitions:

Contingent

Dependent on or conditioned by something else; not absolute or certain.

Racial Stereotypes

Preconceived and oversimplified ideas or images about the characteristics of members of a specific race, often used to justify prejudicial attitudes and discrimination.

Criminal Justice

The system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, and sanctioning violators with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts.

Punitiveness

The disposition or tendency toward imposing or endorsing punishment or harsh penalties.