What does the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses belong to?

The Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses are integral parts of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was ratified in 1868. This amendment was a significant element of the Reconstruction period, aimed at guaranteeing the rights of newly freed slaves and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, receive equal protection under the law.

The Due Process Clause prohibits the government from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, thus ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system. The Equal Protection Clause mandates that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, which means that individuals in similar situations should be treated equally. This has been fundamental in numerous landmark Supreme Court cases regarding civil rights, discrimination, and the application of laws.

In contrast, the other amendments mentioned do not contain these specific clauses. The 12th Amendment deals with the electoral process for President and Vice President, the 16th Amendment pertains to Congress's power to impose an income tax, and the 18th Amendment established Prohibition.