Who does the 14th amendment define as a United States citizen?

The 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution establishes a clear and significant guideline regarding citizenship. It defines citizenship primarily by birthright—specifically stating that anyone born in the United States is a citizen of the United States. This principle is known as "jus soli," or right of the soil, which grants citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil regardless of their parents' nationality or immigration status.

Additionally, the 14th Amendment also provides for the naturalization process, through which individuals who were not born in the U.S. can become citizens. However, the key focus of the amendment is that birth within the country grants one citizenship, making that option the most direct and foundational aspect of how the 14th Amendment defines U.S. citizenship.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the constitutional definition. For example, paying taxes does not confer citizenship, nor does it serve as a criterion for citizenship status. Similarly, while all naturalized citizens are recognized as citizens, the amendment specifically names those born in the U.S. as citizens by birthright. Finally, not all residents of the U.S. are citizens, as residency can include non-citizens such as immigrants and temporary visitors. Therefore, the choice indicating that anyone