What does the Privileges and Immunities Clause prohibit?

The Privileges and Immunities Clause, found in Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, specifically prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states. This clause is essential in promoting national unity and ensuring that individuals enjoy the same fundamental rights regardless of which state they reside in. For instance, if a person from one state travels to another, that individual should not be treated less favorably than the residents of that second state in terms of access to public services, employment opportunities, or legal protections.

The other options focus on different aspects of the relationship between states and the federal government or interstate relations, but they do not reflect the specific purpose of the Privileges and Immunities Clause. This clause's primary focus is to prevent the kind of discriminative practices that could undermine the rights of individuals based solely on their state of origin.