Final answer:
The Fourteenth Amendment grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and includes the Equal Protection Clause to prevent state discrimination. Supporting the amendment through civic disposition involves not discriminating, serving impartially on juries, voting, and respecting democratic outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fourteenth Amendment is a pivotal provision in the U.S. Constitution that addresses citizenship and the rights of citizens. It explicitly states that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." This citizenship clause ensures that anyone born or naturalized in the U.S. is recognized as a citizen, providing a clear definition that overruled the Dred Scott decision which had excluded African Americans from citizenship.
The amendment also contains the Equal Protection Clause, which mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This critical element serves to prevent states from enacting discriminatory laws and provides a means for protecting civil rights at both state and federal levels.
To support the Fourteenth Amendment through a civic disposition, one might engage in actions that uphold the rights and principles it embodies. For instance, a person does not discriminate against others based on race, creed, or gender in business or other activities. Serving as an impartial jury member demonstrates a commitment to due process and the justice system. Voting based on personal beliefs but accepting majority rule exemplifies a respect for democratic processes. These actions reflect a commitment to the values of citizenship, equal protection, and participation in the civic life of the country.