The Rights, Responsibilities, and Advantages (Benefits) of being a U.S. Citizen By Marcus Harris 1

Overview For any U.S. citizen, it is important to know your place in society. America is the land of opportunity because it guarantees the protection of God-given natural rights. For U.S. citizens, it is important to know not just your rights but to fulfill the duties that are required of them in America. If these duties are fulfilled, any U.S. citizen will be able to receive the benefits of living in America. 2

Freedom of Speech One of the most important rights that we possess as Americans is the right to Freedom of Speech. With this right, we can expression controversial opinions without worrying about being imprisoned. American’s freedom of speech is protected by the 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights 3

Right to Bear Arms U.S. citizens are given the right to possess firearms if they will by the 2nd Amendment in the Bill of Rights. The main purpose of the Second Amendment is to give citizens the right to form an organized militia and protect themselves from a tyrannical government. The Second Amendment is also useful for giving individuals the right to own any firearms for personal protection. 4

Right to Privacy One important right that everyone can support is the right to privacy as protected by the 4th Amendment. People are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures of their possessions without a warrant or consent from the individual. Government is restrained from barraging in on its citizens with no just cause. 5

Right to a Fair Trial The 6th Amendment protects the right of the citizen to have a fair trial. Citizens have the right to have a speedy public trial with an impartial jury of the district in which the individual has been accused of the crime. The accused are to have witnesses to testify against them and to have a process of defense witnesses and a defense council. 6

Right to Vote Since America provides the privileges of democracy to its citizens, the people have the right to vote for elected officials through voting elections. The right to vote on the federal level is only granted to legal American residents who are guaranteed the benefits that are provided to them. Few jurisdictions allow for not American citizens to vote on the local level. 7

Right to own Property The right to own private property is part of the means of Americans possessing natural rights. Americans are given the right to private residence where they are responsible for themselves and their own property. With this right to own private property, one can deny others the ability to invade their personal space without their consent. 8

Right to become an elected official All Americans have the right to become an elected official as long as the fulfill the requirements necessary to take office at a local or federal level. The common age requirement for becoming a political official is between 25 and 30 years old. One cannot be found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony under federal law. 9

Right to obtain citizenship for children abroad America is considered the land of opportunity so we grant foreigners the right to obtain American citizenship. Foreigners must be able to fulfill the responsibilities of earning citizenship. These responsibilities include taking residence in America for more than five years before getting citizenship. 10

Right to attend public school All Americans are given the right to attend public schools. No American shall be denied enrollment in public schools for any reason regardless of if they are undocumented. No body should have to reveal their citizenship status when enrolling in a public school. 11

Defend the Constitution One of the most important responsibilities that we have as Americans is to defend the Constitution. This means that we should fight all attempts by the federal government to violate the Constitution. Know your rights and vote to keep them without compromise. 12

Pledge Allegiance to America All Americans shall show their respect for their country by at the very least respecting the ceremonies that honor our forefathers and military service men. Remain loyal to America and not betray it during time of crisis or war. Serving in the armed services is the greatest display of allegiance to America. 13

Obey local, state, and federal laws. In order to be able to keep your natural rights, you have to submit to all authority including law enforcement and federal agents. Contempt for laws on all levels will lead to an individual losing their natural rights and subject to penalties that include imprisonment. Doing the duty of obeying laws will allow you receive the benefits of democracy. 14

Paying taxes In order to receive the benefits of certain programs that the federal government has provided for the American people, the people have to pay income taxes on the federal level and even the state level if required. Taxes keeps the government running or we would have anarchy. Penalties for not paying taxes includes imprisonment. 15

Social Security As an insurance policy for those who will eventually retire, social security is an important asset. Funded through payroll taxes, social security allows retirees to get a small monthly check so that they can continue to live. When one pays payroll taxes for much of their working lives, they can receive the benefits of social security. 16

Medicare For retirees, medicare is another important government asset that in this case, involves health insurance. For retirees who receive life-threatening medical conditions, medicare will allow them to get treatment without paying the full cost out of pocket. This insures the health of retirees in the case of severe health problems. 17

Travel Whenever Americans have a passport, they are allowed to safely travel throughout the world. Americans are protected from deportation and can live abroad without losing their American citizenship status. This insure that Americans can keep their natural rights. 18

Conclusion As American citizens, it is important to protect your rights. With every vote you cast, you can make an impact on your country. If you understand your rights, you would fight to keep them. If you choose to let the government get more involved in your economic and personal life, you are compromising the rights that are supposed to be protected. 19

Bibliography “Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities” USCIS.Gov. Web. 9 January 2013 “Bill of Rights” Constitution.Org 24 December 2000. Web. 9 January 2013 “Citizen Responsibilities” UEN.Org “Benefits of Obtaining United States Citizenship” IMMLAW.com 20