The Republicans in Congress felt that the 14th amendment was necessary to address the issue of citizenship rights for African Americans who were formerly enslaved. They wanted to ensure that these individuals had access to the same legal protections and privileges as other citizens, including due process of law and equal treatment under the law. Additionally, the amendment aimed to prevent states from denying rights or privileges to any citizen without due process of law. Republicans believed that the 14th amendment was necessary to establish the principle of equal protection for all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity.
