What principle is highlighted by the Fourteenth Amendment regarding state laws?

The Fourteenth Amendment primarily emphasizes the principle of due process of law, asserting that no state can deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without following fair legal procedures. This is a fundamental safeguard against arbitrary denials of rights, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to be heard and to defend themselves in legal matters.

Due process is essential in protecting individuals from unjust actions by the state, reinforcing the idea that laws should be applied fairly and consistently. This provision serves to extend the protections granted by the Constitution, primarily from the federal government, to include actions taken by state governments, thereby promoting equal treatment under the law across all states. The emphasis on due process ensures that states cannot enact laws or take actions that would unreasonably infringe on individual rights without proper judicial process.

In contrast to this correct interpretation, the other choices suggest varying degrees of state power that either lack the constitutional safeguards emphasized by the Fourteenth Amendment or misinterpret the limits placed upon state authorities with regard to individual rights.