Citizenship, Fourteenth Amendment, and Related Concepts (Vocabulary)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on citizenship, the Fourteenth Amendment, and historical context of who was granted citizenship.

Citizenship

The status of being a legally recognized resident of a state or country, with rights such as voting.

Birthright Citizenship (jus soli)

Citizenship acquired by being born in the United States, as stated in the Fourteenth Amendment.

Naturalized Citizen

A person who becomes a citizen through a legal process rather than by birth.

Naturalization

The legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen.

Fourteenth Amendment

Constitutional amendment (1868) defining citizenship and guaranteeing due process and equal protection under the law.

Due Process of Law

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person and follow fair procedures before depriving life, liberty, or property.

Equal Protection of the Laws

The principle that laws apply equally to all people, preventing discrimination by the state.

Privileges or Immunities

The rights of citizens that cannot be abridged by any state, as protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

American Indian Citizenship (1924)

Citizenship granted to American Indians in 1924.

Asian Immigrant Citizenship Restrictions

Historical denial of U.S. citizenship to many Asian immigrants (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian) in the period discussed.

Birth or Naturalization Pathways

Two routes to citizenship: being born in the United States or becoming a naturalized citizen.

Right to Vote

A fundamental right associated with citizenship, allowing eligible individuals to participate in elections.