Which amendment addresses the concept of equal protection?

The correct choice is the Fourteenth Amendment because it explicitly includes the Equal Protection Clause, which states that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws." This clause was designed to protect individuals from discrimination by state governments and to ensure that all people are treated equally under the law.

The significance of the Fourteenth Amendment lies in its role in addressing issues of civil rights and equality, particularly in the context of race, gender, and other forms of discrimination. It serves as a foundation for many landmark Supreme Court cases that have expanded civil rights in the United States.

In contrast, the other amendments mentioned do not specifically address equal protection. The First Amendment focuses on freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly; the Fifth Amendment includes rights related to due process and protection against self-incrimination; and the Ninth Amendment deals with the enumeration of rights that may exist outside of those explicitly listed in the Constitution. Therefore, the Fourteenth Amendment is the primary constitutional provision related to the concept of equal protection.