Final answer:
The Fourteenth Amendment played a role in Gideon v. Wainwright by requiring states to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot afford a lawyer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fourteenth amendment played a role in Gideon v. Wainwright by justifying the requirement for states to provide legal representation to anyone accused of a crime, even if they cannot afford a lawyer. This decision was based on the argument that the right to counsel is essential for a fair trial. The ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright extended the right to counsel to cover not just felony charges, but also misdemeanor charges with potential jail time.