Identifying the Rights & Responsibilities of United States Citizenship

US citizenship carries both rights and responsibilities.

Citizens of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization, are granted certain rights and protections and, in turn, are expected to shoulder certain responsibilities. Most of those rights and responsibilities are spelled out in the US Constitution and its amendments. The rights of US citizens fall into three general categories: liberty, equality and security. Responsibilities fall into two general categories: those which citizens should do and those which citizens are legally required to do or face penalties like imprisonment or fines.

Instructions

Citizen Rights

1. The following rights are included in the Bill of Rights:

   Freedom of and from religion.

   Freedom to assemble in public areas.

   Right to keep and bear arms except for those who have committed certain crimes or have been declared mentally unfit.

   Freedom to speak and write your opinions.

   Freedom of the press to report the truth.

   Right of privacy.

   Protection of those accused of a crime: due process, right to an attorney, protection from unlawful search and seizure, etc.

2. Citizens are granted "equal protection under the law." This means that all citizens are created equal without regard to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other condition.

3. Citizens have the right to vote in all local, state and federal elections. Registration is required in order to vote and may only be denied citizens who have been convicted of certain felonies or who are mentally incapacitated.

4. Many federal jobs have citizenship requirements. There are also citizen requirements for some federal grants and education benefits.

5. Biological children of citizens automatically receive US citizenship, even if they are born outside the US.

6. Citizens may legally obtain US passport and other documents proving citizenship. They may also ask for help at US consulates around the globe if they need legal assistance to replace documents or deal with local officials.

7. Citizens may hold political office. Article 2 of the Constitution requires that the US President must be a natural born citizen, the only political office with that requirement.

8. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are granted by the 14th Amendment. This means that citizens have the right to do as they please as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others or violate the law.

Citizen Responsibilities

1. Citizens are required to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies.

2. Citizens may be required to defend the country through military service. Male citizens must still register with selective service when they turn 18.

3. Citizens are required to pay federal income tax and other taxes as levied by federal, state and local governments.

4. Citizens are required to serve on a jury, if selected.

5. Citizens must obey federal, state, and local laws or suffer the consequences of fines and/or imprisonment.

6. Citizens are required to behave in a loyal and responsible manner toward the US. Those who are not may be charged with treason.

7. Citizens are encouraged to vote in all local, state and national elections. In addition, they should take the time to learn about the issues and candidates in those elections.

8. Tolerance and courtesy of others, their rights and opinions is the responsibility of all citizens.

References

• US Constitution Online, "Constitutional topics: Rights and responsibilities"
• Ben's Guide, "Rights of Citizens"
• Ben's Guide, "Responsibilities of Citizens"
• Welcome to US.gov, "Immigration and Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities"