Question

An officer in a Federal uniform puts himself between a group of African Americans and a group of southern whites, who look angry and are armed with weapons. The U S flag is in the background behind the officer.
How does this cartoon demonstrate the original purpose of the Fourteenth Amendment?

It shows the federal government protecting African Americans.
It shows that the federal government was unable to protect African Americans.
It shows that the federal government worked to protect Southern whites.
It shows that Southern whites eagerly supported the amendment.

Answer 1

The cartoon demonstrates the original purpose of the Fourteenth Amendment by showing that the federal government is protecting African Americans. The Fourteenth Amendment was established to ensure equal protection under the law and to safeguard the rights of citizens, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War and during the Reconstruction era. The officer in Federal uniform standing between the two groups indicates an effort by the federal government to protect the rights and safety of African Americans against hostility and violence from Southern whites.