Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Due Process Clause?

The Due Process Clause is primarily concerned with the protection of individuals from arbitrary actions by the government that could affect their personal rights. It is found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and serves as a safeguard against unfair legal proceedings and governmental actions. The essence of due process is to ensure that laws and legal processes are applied in a fair and consistent manner, allowing individuals to have their day in court and to defend their rights before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of legal protections. For instance, the concept of equal protection under the law is addressed by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits discrimination in legal matters. The power to tax and the regulation of business transactions between states fall under other constitutional provisions and do not pertain directly to the core purpose of ensuring fair legal processes, which is the heart of the Due Process Clause.