a) protect the newly freed slaves after the Civil War.
Explanation:
The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the constitution of the United States came into force immediately after the Civil War to protect the former slaves. Equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment ensured that the state shall not discriminate any citizens and provide equal protection under law. It simply means that all citizens are equal and therefore subject to equal protection.
Government is generally more efficient at providing goods and services than private businesses. businesses should not provide services because a free market would be more efficient.
