Final answer:
Some states used 'grandfather clauses' to circumvent the protections of the 14th Amendment and discriminate against African Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution was intended to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly the recently freed slaves after the Civil War. However, there were instances where individuals and states sought to skirt or circumvent the protections provided by the 14th Amendment. One example is the use of the 'grandfather clauses' in certain states, which exempted whites from requirements like literacy tests and poll taxes if their ancestors had voted prior to the enactment of the 15th Amendment. These clauses were used to effectively discriminate against African Americans and prevent them from exercising their rights.