United States Citizenship Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Do Now What do you think makes a good citizen? What are some responsibilities people have within society? What are some laws you must follow?

Introduction With citizenship comes rights, duties, and responsibilities. Rights are granted to all citizens. Duties are things we must do, while responsibilities are things we should do. Citizens have a duty to obey the law, to pay taxes, to sit on a jury if called, and to defend the country. Responsibilities are things a person should do, though they may not be required by law. Exercising the right to vote is probably the most important responsibility of a citizen. This list does not include all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, only some of the more important ones.

Rights The Constitution and laws of the United States give many rights to both citizens and non-citizens living in the United States. However, some rights are only for citizens, such as:

Voting Only U.S. citizens can vote in Federal elections. Most States also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.

Bringing family members to the United States Citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.

Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad In most cases, a child born abroad (outside the U.S.) to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.

Traveling with a U.S. Passport A U.S. passport allows you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas.

Becoming Eligible for federal jobs Most jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.

Becoming an Elected Official Many elected offices in this country require U.S. citizenship.

Showing your patriotism In addition, being a U.S. citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to your country.

Responsibilities A person born outside the U.S. can become a citizen through a process called naturalization

Responsibilities To become a U.S. citizen you must take the Oath of Allegiance. The oath includes several promises you make when you become a U.S. citizen, including promises to:

Oath of allegiance 1. Give up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty.

Oath of allegiance 2. 2.Swear allegiance to the United States.

Oath of allegiance 3. Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States.

Oath of allegiance 4. Serve the country when required. *Note: All males 18 and older must register with the government in case they are needed to serve in the military

Jury Duty Not included in the Oath, but still important, citizens must serve on a jury if asked

Responsibilities U.S. citizens have many responsibilities as well, which include:

Responsibilities Participating in the political process by registering and voting in elections.

Responsibilities America becomes stronger when all of its citizens respect the different opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions found in this country. Tolerance for differences is also a responsibility of citizenship.

Responsibilities Being an active member of your community. It is by participating in your community that you truly become an American.

Activity Now let’s examine the Global Citizenship Worksheet.

Wrap Up What is a duty? What is a responsibility? What are some rights of being an American citizen? What are some responsibilities of being an American citizen? What are some characteristics of global citizenship?