The Benefits & Responsibilities of Citizenship
Benefits
The Constitution gives many rights to citizens and non-citizens living in the United States. However, there are some rights the Constitution gives only to citizens, like the right to vote. When you are naturalized, you will be given the right to vote. Having a U.S. passport is another benefit of citizenship. A U.S. passport allows citizens the freedom to travel. In addition, citizens receive U.S. Government protection and assistance when abroad. The above paragraphs do not include all the benefits of citizenship, but they do give you an idea of some of the most important ones. Responsibilities The Oath of Allegiance includes several promises you must make when you become a U.S. citizen, including promises to: - Give up prior allegiances to other countries;
- Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States;
- Swear allegiance to the United States; and
- Serve the country when required.
Citizens have many responsibilities other than the ones mentioned in the oath. Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political process by registering and voting in elections. Serving on a jury is another responsibility of citizenship. Finally, America becomes stronger when all its citizens respect the different opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions found in this country. Tolerance for differences is also a responsibility of citizenship. When you decide to become a U.S. citizen, you should be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship. We hope you will also honor and respect the freedoms and opportunities citizenship gives you. At the same time, we hope you become an active member of your community. For it is by participating in your community that you truly become an American.
Responsibilities The Oath of Allegiance includes several promises you must make when you become a U.S. citizen, including promises to: - Give up prior allegiances to other countries;
- Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States;
- Swear allegiance to the United States; and
- Serve the country when required.
Citizens have many responsibilities other than the ones mentioned in the oath. Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political process by registering and voting in elections. Serving on a jury is another responsibility of citizenship. Finally, America becomes stronger when all its citizens respect the different opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions found in this country. Tolerance for differences is also a responsibility of citizenship. When you decide to become a U.S. citizen, you should be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship. We hope you will also honor and respect the freedoms and opportunities citizenship gives you. At the same time, we hope you become an active member of your community. For it is by participating in your community that you truly become an American. |
