Question

in 1868, the 14th amendment to the u.s. constitution reversed the dred scott ruling. according to the amendment, who is considered a citizen of the united states?
the descendants of the founding fathers
only white men
only the formerly enslaved
all people born in the united states

all persons born in the united states are citizens. no state shall make any law which shall abridge the privileges of citizens of the united states; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, nor deny to any person the equal protection of the laws.
—amendment 14, u.s. constitution, 1868

Explanation:

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1868) states "All persons born in the United States are citizens." So we analyze each option:

• "The descendants of the founding fathers": The amendment doesn't base citizenship on being a descendant of founding fathers. Eliminate this.
• "Only White men": The amendment's text about birthright citizenship doesn't restrict to White men. Eliminate this.
• "Only the formerly enslaved": The amendment is about birthright citizenship, not just formerly enslaved people. Eliminate this.
• "All people born in the United States": Matches the 14th Amendment's wording on citizenship.

Answer:

All people born in the United States