Civics Chapter 13 :The Obligations of U.S. Citizenship

Citizen

A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized.

Citizenship

The status of being a citizen, which includes the rights and responsibilities granted by a state.

14th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection under the law.

Naturalized citizen

A person who was not a citizen at birth but has completed the legal process of becoming a citizen of the United States.

Naturalization process

The legal procedure through which a foreign citizen can become a citizen of the United States.

Immigrant

A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Law of Blood

A principle of nationality law by which citizenship is determined by having one or both parents who are citizens of the state.

Law of Soil

A principle of nationality law by which citizenship is determined by the place of birth.

Permanent residency

The status of a person who is allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely without being a citizen.

Obligations of U.S. citizenship

Duties that citizens are required to fulfill, such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and serving on juries.

Jury service

The duty of a citizen to serve on a jury when called, as part of the judicial process.

Selective Service

The system by which the U.S. government maintains information on those potentially subject to military conscription.

Responsibilities of U.S. citizenship

The actions that citizens are expected to take, including voting, participating in civic activities, and respecting the rights of others.

Voting

The act of casting a ballot in an election to select representatives or decide on issues.

Petitioning government

The right of citizens to make complaints to, or seek assistance from, their government without fear of punishment or reprisals.