How does the Fourteenth Amendment relate to due process?

The Fourteenth Amendment is crucial in the context of due process because it extends the application of due process protections to state governments. Originally, the due process clause found in the Fifth Amendment restricted only the federal government, but the Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, explicitly states that no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This incorporation means that all states are required to uphold the same standards of fairness and legal procedures mandated by the Constitution, thereby ensuring that individuals' rights are protected at both federal and state levels. This amendment plays a vital role in the legal interpretation and enforcement of due process rights across the United States, affirming its significance in safeguarding individuals against arbitrary actions by state authorities.