Which amendment addresses discrimination by state governments towards individuals or groups?

The 14th Amendment is pivotal in addressing discrimination by state governments towards individuals or groups. Ratified in 1868, it includes several clauses that enforce equal protection under the law. The Equal Protection Clause specifically prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction equal protection of the laws. This means that state governments must treat individuals equally and cannot discriminate against them based on race, gender, or other characteristics.

The Due Process Clause found in the 14th Amendment also plays a significant role in safeguarding individual rights by ensuring that states must follow fair procedures before depriving anyone of life, liberty, or property. Together, these provisions form a constitutional foundation that fights against state-sponsored discrimination.

In contrast, the other amendments mentioned focus on different aspects of rights: the 1st Amendment addresses freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition; the 4th Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures; and the 10th Amendment emphasizes the powers reserved to the states and the people, but does not directly address issues of discrimination.