Your answers are correct. When taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, a person is indeed pledging to obey the law and uphold the Constitution. Additionally, one significant right that a naturalized citizen does not have is the ability to serve as president or vice president, as only individuals born as U.S. citizens are eligible for those positions.
While taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, a person is basically saying that he or she will do what?
Answer: obey the law
What is one right that a naturalized citizen does not have?
Answer: She cannot serve as president or vice president of the United States.
5 answers
How does one become a citizen?
Answers:
A person is born in the United States.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
Why is voting an important civic responsibility?
Answers:
It ensures that government represents the people.
Of the following choices, which ones are considered democratic values? Select all that apply.
Answers:
honesty
patriotism
Answers:
A person is born in the United States.
A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
Why is voting an important civic responsibility?
Answers:
It ensures that government represents the people.
Of the following choices, which ones are considered democratic values? Select all that apply.
Answers:
honesty
patriotism
Your answers are mostly accurate, but let’s clarify a few points:
-
How does one become a citizen?
- Correct Answers:
- A person is born in the United States.
- A person of foreign birth successfully completes the naturalization process.
- Correct Answers:
-
Why is voting an important civic responsibility?
- Correct Answer:
- It ensures that government represents the people. This is fundamental to a democratic society, as voting gives citizens a voice in their governance.
- Correct Answer:
-
Of the following choices, which ones are considered democratic values? Select all that apply.
- While "honesty" and "patriotism" could be seen as important values in a society, common democratic values typically include concepts like equality, justice, individual rights, and participation. However, if "honesty" and "patriotism" were explicitly provided options that are understood to reflect democratic principles in your context, they could still be valid selections depending on the perspective.
If there were other options provided that reflect core democratic values, they would more strictly align with democracy as typically understood.
*American Citizenship*
To be a citizen of the United States, you must have fulfilled one of three requirements:
You were born in the United States, or at least one parent is a citizen of the United States.
You were naturalized, that is, you have completed the official legal process for becoming a citizen if you were born outside the United States.
You were 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized.
Becoming a Citizen Throughout American history, many millions of immigrants have become naturalized citizens. An immigrant is a person who enters another country in order to settle there.
To illustrate the naturalization process, we will look at one immigrant's story.
At age 15, Carla Rojas came to the United States from Argentina. Her mother returned home two years later, but Rojas decided to remain. After submitting numerous documents and photographs and attending several interviews, she received permission to remain in the country as a resident alien, or noncitizen living in the country.
After a required five-year waiting period, Carla submitted an application for citizenship. She had to take a test to show that she was comfortable with the English language and that she was familiar with American history and government. She also had to show that she was of “good moral character.” Then, a naturalization examiner interviewed her about her reasons for becoming a citizen.
At last, Rojas stood before a judge and took the oath that confirmed her as an American citizen:
A group of immigrants swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in order to become citizens.
I hereby declare, on oath, that … I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies … that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same … so help me God.
—Oath of Allegiance to the United States
A naturalized citizen enjoys every right of a natural-born citizen except one. Only natural-born citizens may serve as President or Vice President.
*The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens*
All American citizens have equal rights under the law. Americans have the right to speak freely, to worship as they choose, to vote, and to serve on juries. These rights are not based on inherited wealth or family connections. They are the rights of American citizens.
Still, nothing is free. As you will see, if we want to enjoy the rights of citizenship, we must also accept its responsibilities.
One way students can express their civic virtue is by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
These rights and responsibilities reflect America's national identity—the common set of values that unites Americans. For example, citizens have both the right and the responsibility to vote. This reflects the principles of independence, liberty, and self-governance upheld in the Constitution and valued by the American people.
*Citizenship and Democratic Values*
The Founding Fathers admired civic virtue, that is, the willingness to work for the good of the nation or community even at great sacrifice. They looked to Roman models such as Cincinnatus, who, it was said, gave up a peaceful life on his farm when called upon to lead Rome. Again and again, leaders such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams put the common good ahead of their own wishes. These three presidents maintained that democracy requires virtuous behavior by citizens.
The leaders feared that without this responsible behavior, American liberty would be at risk. How can a democracy run if individuals do not think about what is best for society and not just for themselves?
You do not have to go to great lengths to be a good citizen. At home, at school, and in the community, you can work to develop the values that are the foundation of our democratic system. Among these basic values are honesty and compassion. Others include patriotism, respect, responsibility, and courage.
A key democratic value is patriotism, or a feeling of love and devotion toward one's country. A sense of patriotism inspires Americans to serve their nation. It also encourages us to fulfill the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
As citizens, we must respect ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and the other members of our community. Respect may also involve objects or ideas. For example, a good citizen respects the property of others and the laws of the nation.
Responsibility may be both personal and public. We must accept responsibility for ourselves and the consequences of our actions and behaviors. In a democracy, individuals are expected to look out for themselves and for one another. For example, parents have a duty to support their families and teach their children. This is important because children depend on parents and families depend on one another. As a student, you have a responsibility to learn.
Courage may be either physical or moral. Soldiers, police, or firefighters display physical courage when they risk their lives for the good of others. Moral courage enables us to do the right thing even when it is unpopular, difficult, or dangerous. Americans such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King, Jr., faced risks in order to defend democratic values.
Participating in community projects such as this clean-up activity strengthens the ties between community members and helps to ensure that public spaces remain usable.
Responsible Citizenship
As citizens, we must accept our own civic responsibilities. Only if government and citizens work together can we meet our needs as a democratic society.
A Responsibility to Vote As citizens of a republic, we have the right to select the people who will represent us in government. But if that right is to have any meaning, then we must fulfill our responsibility to vote. A good citizen studies the candidates and the issues in order to make responsible choices.The Obligation to Obey Laws and Rules In the Constitution, “we the people” give the government the power to make laws for us. Thus, we have a duty to obey the nation's laws. We have thousands of laws that keep us from hurting one another, regulate contracts, and protect citizens’ rights. No one can know them all, but you must know and obey the laws that affect your life and actions.
You also have a responsibility to obey rules. You already have rules at home and rules at school—even rules to games you play. These rules are not enforced by the government as laws are. Like laws, however, they keep us safe, help us live together, and teach us to be accountable for our behavior. By learning to obey rules such as not to hit or cheat when we are young, we learn about responsible citizenship.
A Responsibility to Defend the Nation Americans have the duty to help defend the nation against threats to its peace or security. At age 18, all men must register for the draft. In time of war, the government may call them to serve in the armed forces. Many young citizens feel the duty to enlist in the military without being called.
A Duty to Serve on Juries The Bill of Rights guarantees the right to trial by jury. In turn, every citizen has the responsibility to serve on a jury when called. Jury duty is a serious matter. Jurors must take time out from their work and personal lives to decide the fate of others.Citizenship Means Participating in the Community Many Americans use their time and skills to improve their communities or to help others. As you read, David Levitt was in middle school when he started a program to help the needy in his Florida community. Many young people participate in walk-a-thons or bike-a-thons for charity. Others volunteer in hospitals or fire departments. When serious natural disasters damage cities and regions, millions of citizens aid in rescue efforts, donate blood, or contribute money and supplies.A Responsibility to Stay Informed on Public Issues Thomas Jefferson observed, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free … it expects what never was and never will be.” You cannot protect your rights as a citizen unless you know what they are. You cannot choose elected officials who will make good decisions unless you know where they stand on the issues. It is your responsibility to be informed. You can watch television news programs and read newspapers, magazines, or government pamphlets. Your work in school will help you become educated about our history, our government, and the workings of our society.
To be a citizen of the United States, you must have fulfilled one of three requirements:
You were born in the United States, or at least one parent is a citizen of the United States.
You were naturalized, that is, you have completed the official legal process for becoming a citizen if you were born outside the United States.
You were 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized.
Becoming a Citizen Throughout American history, many millions of immigrants have become naturalized citizens. An immigrant is a person who enters another country in order to settle there.
To illustrate the naturalization process, we will look at one immigrant's story.
At age 15, Carla Rojas came to the United States from Argentina. Her mother returned home two years later, but Rojas decided to remain. After submitting numerous documents and photographs and attending several interviews, she received permission to remain in the country as a resident alien, or noncitizen living in the country.
After a required five-year waiting period, Carla submitted an application for citizenship. She had to take a test to show that she was comfortable with the English language and that she was familiar with American history and government. She also had to show that she was of “good moral character.” Then, a naturalization examiner interviewed her about her reasons for becoming a citizen.
At last, Rojas stood before a judge and took the oath that confirmed her as an American citizen:
A group of immigrants swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in order to become citizens.
I hereby declare, on oath, that … I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies … that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same … so help me God.
—Oath of Allegiance to the United States
A naturalized citizen enjoys every right of a natural-born citizen except one. Only natural-born citizens may serve as President or Vice President.
*The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens*
All American citizens have equal rights under the law. Americans have the right to speak freely, to worship as they choose, to vote, and to serve on juries. These rights are not based on inherited wealth or family connections. They are the rights of American citizens.
Still, nothing is free. As you will see, if we want to enjoy the rights of citizenship, we must also accept its responsibilities.
One way students can express their civic virtue is by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
These rights and responsibilities reflect America's national identity—the common set of values that unites Americans. For example, citizens have both the right and the responsibility to vote. This reflects the principles of independence, liberty, and self-governance upheld in the Constitution and valued by the American people.
*Citizenship and Democratic Values*
The Founding Fathers admired civic virtue, that is, the willingness to work for the good of the nation or community even at great sacrifice. They looked to Roman models such as Cincinnatus, who, it was said, gave up a peaceful life on his farm when called upon to lead Rome. Again and again, leaders such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams put the common good ahead of their own wishes. These three presidents maintained that democracy requires virtuous behavior by citizens.
The leaders feared that without this responsible behavior, American liberty would be at risk. How can a democracy run if individuals do not think about what is best for society and not just for themselves?
You do not have to go to great lengths to be a good citizen. At home, at school, and in the community, you can work to develop the values that are the foundation of our democratic system. Among these basic values are honesty and compassion. Others include patriotism, respect, responsibility, and courage.
A key democratic value is patriotism, or a feeling of love and devotion toward one's country. A sense of patriotism inspires Americans to serve their nation. It also encourages us to fulfill the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
As citizens, we must respect ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and the other members of our community. Respect may also involve objects or ideas. For example, a good citizen respects the property of others and the laws of the nation.
Responsibility may be both personal and public. We must accept responsibility for ourselves and the consequences of our actions and behaviors. In a democracy, individuals are expected to look out for themselves and for one another. For example, parents have a duty to support their families and teach their children. This is important because children depend on parents and families depend on one another. As a student, you have a responsibility to learn.
Courage may be either physical or moral. Soldiers, police, or firefighters display physical courage when they risk their lives for the good of others. Moral courage enables us to do the right thing even when it is unpopular, difficult, or dangerous. Americans such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King, Jr., faced risks in order to defend democratic values.
Participating in community projects such as this clean-up activity strengthens the ties between community members and helps to ensure that public spaces remain usable.
Responsible Citizenship
As citizens, we must accept our own civic responsibilities. Only if government and citizens work together can we meet our needs as a democratic society.
A Responsibility to Vote As citizens of a republic, we have the right to select the people who will represent us in government. But if that right is to have any meaning, then we must fulfill our responsibility to vote. A good citizen studies the candidates and the issues in order to make responsible choices.The Obligation to Obey Laws and Rules In the Constitution, “we the people” give the government the power to make laws for us. Thus, we have a duty to obey the nation's laws. We have thousands of laws that keep us from hurting one another, regulate contracts, and protect citizens’ rights. No one can know them all, but you must know and obey the laws that affect your life and actions.
You also have a responsibility to obey rules. You already have rules at home and rules at school—even rules to games you play. These rules are not enforced by the government as laws are. Like laws, however, they keep us safe, help us live together, and teach us to be accountable for our behavior. By learning to obey rules such as not to hit or cheat when we are young, we learn about responsible citizenship.
A Responsibility to Defend the Nation Americans have the duty to help defend the nation against threats to its peace or security. At age 18, all men must register for the draft. In time of war, the government may call them to serve in the armed forces. Many young citizens feel the duty to enlist in the military without being called.
A Duty to Serve on Juries The Bill of Rights guarantees the right to trial by jury. In turn, every citizen has the responsibility to serve on a jury when called. Jury duty is a serious matter. Jurors must take time out from their work and personal lives to decide the fate of others.Citizenship Means Participating in the Community Many Americans use their time and skills to improve their communities or to help others. As you read, David Levitt was in middle school when he started a program to help the needy in his Florida community. Many young people participate in walk-a-thons or bike-a-thons for charity. Others volunteer in hospitals or fire departments. When serious natural disasters damage cities and regions, millions of citizens aid in rescue efforts, donate blood, or contribute money and supplies.A Responsibility to Stay Informed on Public Issues Thomas Jefferson observed, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free … it expects what never was and never will be.” You cannot protect your rights as a citizen unless you know what they are. You cannot choose elected officials who will make good decisions unless you know where they stand on the issues. It is your responsibility to be informed. You can watch television news programs and read newspapers, magazines, or government pamphlets. Your work in school will help you become educated about our history, our government, and the workings of our society.
Thank you for sharing this comprehensive overview of American citizenship, its rights and responsibilities, and the importance of civic engagement. Below, I’ll highlight some key points from the text you provided, which encapsulate the essence of becoming a citizen and the duties that come with that status:
Key Points on American Citizenship
-
Requirements for Citizenship:
- Born in the U.S.: Anyone born on U.S. soil or to at least one U.S. citizen parent is a citizen by birth.
- Naturalization: Foreign-born individuals can become citizens through a legal process after residing in the U.S. for a specified number of years.
- Minority Status: Children under 18 may automatically become citizens if their parents go through the naturalization process.
-
Naturalization Process:
- Immigrants must go through several steps, including submitting documents, passing an English language and civics test, and completing an interview before a judge where they take the Oath of Allegiance.
-
Rights of Citizens:
- Citizens enjoy equal rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to vote, and the right to serve on juries. They share these rights with natural-born citizens, with the exception that only natural-born citizens can serve as President or Vice President.
-
Responsibilities of Citizens:
- Voting: Citizens have a duty to participate in elections and make informed choices.
- Obeying Laws: There is an obligation to understand and follow the laws of the nation and community.
- Defending the Nation: Citizens may be called to defend their country and are expected to participate in the draft at 18.
- Jury Duty: It is a civic responsibility to serve on a jury when summoned.
- Community Participation: Engaging in community service and helping others enhances civic responsibility.
-
Civic Virtue:
- The text emphasizes values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and patriotism. It draws on historical figures who exemplified these values, reinforcing the idea that virtuous behavior is vital for the health of a democracy.
-
Staying Informed:
- Citizens must stay informed about public issues to make educated decisions and protect their rights. Accessing various news sources and participating in educational opportunities is crucial for responsible citizenship.
Conclusion
This information highlights that American citizenship encompasses not just rights but also a myriad of responsibilities that require active participation in society. Civic engagement, informed voting, community service, and respect for the law are pivotal for sustaining a functioning democracy. If you have specific questions or need further elaboration on any topic related to citizenship, feel free to ask!
1 answer