Citizenship: Its Obligations and Privileges

Becoming a Citizen

Every person living in the United States, citizen or not, is entitled to most of the na­tion's basic freedoms and protections. However, there are many advantages to becom­ing citizens for people who intend to live in the U.S.A. permanently. Of these, the most important are the right to remain in the U.S. and the right to participate in its government by voting. Once aliens become naturalized citizens, their rights are the same as those of any native-born citizen, except that they cannot become president or vice president.

With few exceptions, anyone born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen. Also, a person born outside the U.S. to parents who are both American citizens is a citizen. An alien who wishes to become a citizen must fulfill certain legal requirements. In most cases, a person must wait five continuous years after becoming a permanent resident. At least half of those five years must be spent in the U.S., and no trips outside the U.S. for more than six continuous months are permitted. The applicant must also have lived at least three months in the state in which the application is made.

In order to show the potential for being a good, productive citizen, it is necessary that the applicant show an understanding of the English language and of the history, princi­ples, and form of government of the U.S. The applicant must also demonstrate good moral character and a belief in the principles of the U.S. Constitution, such as repre­sentative government and free speech. Once approved for citizenship, the applicant goes before a judge and swears loyalty to the United States of America. This swearing­-in ceremony is usually attended by a group of people who become citizens at the same time.

Check your comprehension.

Name five requirements a permanent resident must fulfill in order to become an American citizen.

Responsibilities of Citizens

Probably the most important right and responsibility of citizens in a democracy is to participate actively in government. One way that they participate is by voting. Unfortu­nately, in every election, a large percentage of those entitled to vote never come to the polls. In 1996, for example, fewer than 50% of those eligible voted for a presidential can­didate. When a large number of citizens do not vote, those who do have a greater voice in determining the outcome of the election. If only 50% of the people vote, 26% of the total population can elect the president and members of Congress. The idea of major­ity rule is, thus, lost.

Another way that citizens can participate in government is by communicating with their representatives. In order for elected officials to represent their constituents prop­erly, they must know what the voters think about current laws and pending legislation. Do they feel that certain laws are outmoded and should be discarded? Are they for or against a particular bill? Is there something their government should be doing but isn't (or shouldn't be doing but is)? Representatives who want to stay in office (be reelected) try to vote as their constituents desire. Voters can communicate with representatives by mail, phone, or e-mail or by attending town hall meetings. Unfortunately, very few vot­ers take the time to communicate with their federal or state representatives. As a result, a small, active minority can influence legislation out of proportion to their numbers, and this leads to a distortion of the representative form of government.

Americans often exercise their right to protest government action (or inactions). The U.S. Constitution gives people living in the U.S. the rights to assemble peaceably, to petition the government (request changes), and to express opinions freely about the government's policies. Peaceful protests outside government office buildings (and many foreign embassies and consulates) are common. Groups (such as those opposed to the government's antidrug or abortion policies) march with signs, singing and chant­ing, to let their government know what they favor or oppose. However, in expressing dis­satisfaction, people must respect the rights of others to express opposing views or be neutral.

One of a citizen's duties - military service - often leads to controversy. Although the U.S. does not now have compulsory military service, from time to time in its history, a military draft has been in effect. Of course, during World War II, citizens were required to serve in the armed forces, and most did so willingly. But in more recent times, the government has met with a great deal of resistance to its draft laws. During the Korean War and, especially, during the Vietnam War, many young men did everything they could to avoid military service. Some demanded noncombat assignments because they had strong personal or religious objections to killing. Some left the country to avoid the draft. Much of that resistance was due to the lack of support for the United States' fight­ing against countries that were not directly threatening its safety. American opposition to the war in Vietnam was so strong that the U.S. was finally forced to abandon its mil­itary efforts there.

Another duty of citizens is to serve on a lury, if selected. A jury is a group of people who are chosen to listen to evidence presented in court. In civil cases, members of the jury must decide which of the battling parties is right. In criminal cases, they must decide whether the accused person has committed a crime. The jury is basic to the Amer­ican system of justice. The right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and by most state constitutions. Jury panels are usually selected from voter lists. From these panels, which may include several hundred people where courts are busiest, 12 jurors are usually selected to hear each trial. Many people find jury service an interesting and rewarding experience. Others consider it a nuisance. A jury summons means people are required to take time off from work (or their other daily activities) to appear in court and fulfill this civic duty-sometimes for days or even weeks.

Check your comprehension.

What are four ways that citizens can communicate their ideas to their representatives in government?