CITIZENSHIP By: Ric Paquette

CITIZEN Who is an American citizen? There are 3 ways to determine who is an American citizen: 1) “Law of Soil;” 2) “Law of Blood;” and 3) naturalization. Law of Soil: One is an American citizen if that person was born in the United States or any of its territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands). Under this theory, the citizenship of the parent is irrelevant. The 14 th Amendment to the US Constitution provides the basis for this law. Law of Blood: One is an American citizen if one or both of the parents is an American citizen. Under this theory, the location of one’s birth is irrelevant. Naturalization: One who is not born an American citizen may become an American citizen throug0t naturalization. In order to become an American citizen, an immigrant must: 1) apply to become an American legal resident (obtain a green card); 2) reside in the US for a required number of years; 3) apply for citizenship; 4) undergo an interview and background check; 5) pass the US naturalization test; and 6) take the Oath of Allegiance.

RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS, AND DUTIES OF BEING AN AMERICAN CITIZEN An American citizen enjoys protected rights and possesses obligations and duties to the US. Rights: Rights are freedoms that are available to every American, regardless of gender, nationality, race, or religion. The rights are contained in the US Constitution, the most basic of which are set out in the Bill of Rights. 5 examples of our freedoms are set out in the 1 st Amendment- freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Obligations: An obligation is something that a person must do. An American citizen possesses the obligations to: 1) pay taxes; 2) defend the US; 3) serve on a jury; and, 4) obey the laws of the US and its states and local governments. In order to be able to serve on a jury, one must: 1) be a US citizen; 2) register to vote or possess a driver’s license; 3) reside in the county in which the person was called for jury duty; and, 4) be able to speak and understand English. Duties: A duty is something that a citizen should do, but is not required to do. An example is voting. Every citizen has the right to vote, and should vote; however, a citizen is not required to vote.