Citizen Vocab

Citizen

A person who is a legal member of a nation, country, or self-governing community.

Naturalized Citizen

A legal permanent resident who passes a test to show they understand history and Constitution of the US.

Civic responsibility

Obligations that each person has to society. Like voting, obeying the laws, paying taxes.

Political Rights

Allow citizens to participate in the political process; due process of law, serve on juries, seek and hold public office.

Personal responsibility

Obligations that each person assumes individually; accepting consequences for actions, and behaving civilly.

Common Good

The good of the community as a whole.

Individual/personal rights

Specific rights that belong to each person, such as those listed in the Bill of Rights rather than general rights.

Refugee

People who must flee from danger in their native countries and find residence outside their homeland.

Resident alien

People who have immigrated to the united states to establish permanent residence but cannot vote or run for office

Non-Resident Alien

Aliens who expect to stay in a foreign country for a short, specific time.

Illegal aliens

Individuals who enter the United States without a legal permit or who enter as tourists and stay longer than their tourist status allows.

Economic rights

Rights needed to earn a living and to acquire and transfer property or to produce goods and services.

Jus Soli

Being born on American soil

Jus Sanguine

Being born of American parents

Naturalization

A legal process to obtain citizenship

Immigrant

A person coming to the United States with the intent to become a citizen.