What does the Equal Protection Clause prohibit states from doing?

The Equal Protection Clause, part of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, specifically prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws." This means that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic, must be treated equally under the law. The essence of this clause is to ensure fairness and non-discrimination in the application of laws and governmental policies.

For example, if a state law disproportionately affects a particular group of people or creates a legal distinction that treats one group less favorably than another, it could be challenged for violating the Equal Protection Clause. The focus on equal protection directly relates to preventing states from enacting laws or policies that would deny individuals their rights or privileges due to arbitrary classifications.

The other options, while they touch on important related issues, do not directly encapsulate the primary function of the Equal Protection Clause. The focus is on ensuring equal protection rather than specific laws or categories, making the correct answer to this question clearly aligned with the fundamental purpose of the clause.