Rights and Responsibilities
The last stretch of the government section, and the part that is actually about you: what you gain as a citizen, what you owe, and what the oath commits you to. Note the distinction the test keeps returning to — some rights belong only to citizens, others to everyone living in the United States.
Practice this set for free — no account needed. Loads 10 flashcards into the learner.
Practice in the free learnerHow to study this set
Keep two lists straight. Only for citizens: voting in a federal election, running for federal office, serving on a jury. For everyone living in the US: freedom of speech, assembly, religion, petition, and the right to bear arms. The test asks about both, and mixing them up is the most common error here.
All 10 flashcards
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens eighteen (18) and older can vote; you don't have to pay (a poll tax) to vote; any citizen can vote (women and men can vote); a male citizen of any race can vote
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
Citizens; citizens of the United States; U.S. citizens
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
Freedom of expression; freedom of speech; freedom of assembly; freedom to petition the government; freedom of religion; the right to bear arms
Name any three — these apply to everyone, not only citizens.
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States; the flag
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Give up loyalty to other countries; defend the (U.S.) Constitution; obey the laws of the United States; serve in the military (if needed); serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed); be loyal to the United States
Name any two.
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
Vote; run for office; join a political party; help with a campaign; join a civic group; join a community group; give an elected official your opinion (on an issue); contact elected officials; support or oppose an issue or policy; write to a newspaper
Name any two.
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
Required by law; all people pay to fund the federal government; required by the Constitution (16th Amendment); civic duty
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
Required by law; civic duty; makes the draft fair, if needed
How can people become United States citizens?
Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment; naturalize; derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
What is one way Americans can serve their country?
Vote; pay taxes; obey the law; serve in the military; run for office; work for local, state, or federal government
What to learn next
Government done. Next up is the American History category — from the colonies through the Civil War to the 1900s.