The Fourteenth Amendment prevents what type of violations by states?

The Fourteenth Amendment is primarily concerned with ensuring that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws or deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This amendment plays a critical role in protecting the rights of U.S. citizens against state infringements.

Choosing the option that identifies the protection of U.S. citizens' rights emphasizes the broad scope of the Fourteenth Amendment. It encompasses several rights, including those enumerated in the Bill of Rights, and extends their applicability to actions by state governments. The Fourteenth Amendment has been pivotal in numerous Supreme Court cases that have established and reinforced civil rights, ensuring that states cannot enact laws that violate these fundamental protections for U.S. citizens.

While rights such as free speech and the right to assemble are crucial, these rights are explicitly secured under other amendments — primarily the First Amendment. Similarly, criminal prosecution without evidence pertains to the right to a fair trial, which is more directly related to the Sixth Amendment and due process clauses. The focus of the Fourteenth Amendment is broader, ensuring that state actions do not infringe upon the constitutionally protected rights of individuals.