Which amendment to the Constitution gave the national government the power to prevent states from violating the rights of their citizens?

The 14th Amendment of the Constitution forbids states from denying "life, liberty or property without due process of law." When it was ratified in 1868, this Amendment gave freedom to slaves in the South which was a huge controversary during the 19th century. This Amendment is partial to the general populace instead of the indivudual state.