RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP

• You can become a citizen of a country by being born in that country and living there as a loyal member of society. Many countries also have alternative requirements for those who are not natural-born citizens, but would like to become citizens of that nation. When you complete the alternative requirements, you are called a naturalized citizen.

• As a citizen of your country, you have some duties, rights, and responsibilities.  Your rights as American citizens cannot be taken away, regardless of the state in which you live. That is because the United States Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land. Your rights as citizens of the United States are protected in the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. You have the right to be free, and to enjoy your life. You have the right to defend yourself if someone tries to take away your right to life. You also have the right to buy, own, and protect your property.

• In exchange for your rights, you have some duties and responsibilities. You should learn everything you can about your government so that you will be able to make good decisions when it is time to vote in elections. You should also be aware of the current laws, because you are expected to obey them. Citizens also have a responsibility to the other people in their community, to work together on issues that concern the community. Each citizen has a voice, and a duty to use that voice to speak up about the things that are important to him/her.

• In addition to your national citizenship, you are also citizens of your state and your local city. You have similar rights and responsibilities toward each different level of your citizenship. By making sure you are aware, and that you use your voice by voting in elections, you make our country a better place.

Name:__________________________________

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage. Don’t forget to go back to the passage whenever necessary to find or confirm your answers.

1)   In your own words, explain what it means to be a citizen.

2)   What are the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution called?

3)   Why do you think a person might be motivated to become a citizen of a country other than the one where they were born?

4)   How could speaking up about issues that bother you help you and other citizens?

 

   5)   Why is it important for citizens to become informed and vote in elections?