Rights & Responsibilities
Rights
There are two rights afforded only to U.S. citizens: the right to vote and the right to run for federal office.
Voting is the most important civic duty and responsibility for a citizen and there have been four amendments to the Constitution concerning voting rights:
- Male citizens of all races and colors can vote (15th Amendment)
- Women have the right to vote (19th Amendment)
- You do not have to pay a poll tax to vote (24th Amendment)
- Citizens 18 and older can vote (26th Amendment)
To simplify, the Constitution gives all citizens, men and women, regardless of race or color and at least 18 years old, the right to vote.
Another right as a citizen is the right to run for federal office. There are, however, other basic rights, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the Constitution that are afforded to everyone living in the United States and not just citizens:
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of assembly
- The right to bear arms
- Freedom of expression
Responsibilities
Along with rights come responsibilities, and two of those responsibilities are to serve on a jury and to vote in a federal election.
Besides serving on a jury and voting in a federal election, can you think of other certain responsibilities you may have? Let’s look at a few:
- Paying federal taxes by April 15th
- Promising to obey the law
- Showing loyalty to the flag by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
- Registering for the Selective Service at age 18
- Promising to be loyal and to defend the United States when you become a citizen
- Participating in the your democracy
Participating in your Democracy
Besides voting, there are many ways that Americans can participate in their democracy, be involved and engage in the political process, which in turn helps keep our democracy strong:
- Join a political party
- Join a civic group
- Join a community group
- Run for office
- Help with a campaign
Would you consider doing any of these?
