Citizens

Handouts

In the United States, a citizen is generally defined as a person who is legally recognized as a member of the country with rights and responsibilities under its laws. U.S. citizenship can be acquired in a few main ways.  

1. By birth - Anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. Citizen, regardless of the parents' citizenship status (14th Amendment).  Also, children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents ca acquire citizenship at birth provided specific conditions are met.

2. By naturalization - a foreign national can become a citizen through a legal process that includes meeting residency requirements, demonstration knowledge of U.S. history and government, and passing English and civics test.  There is also a requirement to demonstrate "good moral character." 

As a citizen of the United States you have many rights that give you freedoms. However, the theory of democratic government holds that along with these rights come responsibilities.   Some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are important to ensuring that America remains a free and prosperous nation.  The table below is from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and highlights the rights and responsibilities that you should exercise and respect.