Rights and responsibilities
Questions and answers
-
There are four amendments to the 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).
Four amendments widened the vote: the 15th (1870) to men of any race, the 19th (1920) to women, the 24th (1964) ended poll taxes, and the 26th (1971) lowered the voting age to 18.
Textbook · Voting in Federal Elections ↗ -
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- serve on a jury
- vote in a federal election
Everyone living in the United States must obey the law, pay taxes and, if male, register for the Selective Service. Voting in federal elections and serving on a jury are duties reserved for citizens.
Textbook · Voting in Federal Elections ↗ -
Name one right only for United States citizens.
- vote in a federal election
- run for federal office
The First Amendment freedoms belong to everyone in the country, but only citizens may vote for Representatives, Senators and the President, or run for federal office.
Textbook · Voting in Federal Elections ↗ -
What are two 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
The five First Amendment freedoms, speech, religion, assembly, the press and petition, and the right to bear arms belong to every person living in the United States, citizen or not.
Textbook · Rights & Freedoms of Everyone Living in the United States Today ↗ -
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
- the United States
- the flag
The Pledge is a promise of loyalty to the flag and to the country it stands for. People stand, face the flag and put the right hand over the heart, and everyone says it at naturalization ceremonies.
Textbook · The Pledge of Allegiance ↗ -
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
- give up loyalty to other countries
- defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
- obey the laws of the United States
- serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
- serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
- be loyal to the United States
At the naturalization ceremony applicants raise their right hand and take the Oath of Allegiance. In it they promise to be loyal to the United States, to defend its Constitution and laws, and to serve the nation if needed.
Textbook · Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship ↗ -
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
- eighteen (18) and older
The 26th Amendment of 1971 set the voting age at 18. Today every U.S. citizen who is 18 or older can vote in federal elections, including the election of the President.
Textbook · Voting in Federal Elections ↗ -
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- vote
- 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
- call Senators and Representatives
- publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
- run for office
- write to a newspaper
Voting is the most direct way, but Americans also use their freedom of speech: they write to newspapers, give their opinion on an issue publicly or to an elected official, join parties and civic groups, help campaigns or run for office.
Textbook · Rights & Freedoms of Everyone Living in the United States Today ↗ -
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
- April 15
Paying income tax is part of following the rule of law. Everyone living in the United States must send a federal income tax form to the government each year, and April 15 is the deadline.
Textbook · Responsibilities of Individuals Living in the United States ↗ -
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
- at age eighteen (18)
- between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)
Registration is a responsibility of men who are citizens or legal permanent residents. It starts at 18 and lasts until they turn 26.
Textbook · Responsibilities of Individuals Living in the United States ↗