Citizenship in the United States comes with real protections and real obligations. Understanding the difference between what rights you hold and what responsibilities you carry — and knowing exactly how a person becomes a citizen — is central to the civics test and to life as an American.
Rights and Freedoms Under the Constitution
The Constitution gives people living in the United States a range of rights and freedoms. Importantly, not all of these apply equally to everyone — some belong to all residents, while others are reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens.
The First Amendment rights covered in the previous subchapter — speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition — are available to everyone in the country. But rights like voting in federal elections and running for federal office belong only to citizens.
Responsibilities of Everyone Living in the United States
Living in the United States comes with responsibilities, regardless of citizenship status. Chief among them is following the rule of law The principle that all people must obey the law, and that no one — not even the government — is above it. : everyone in the country must obey federal, state, and local laws.
One specific legal responsibility that applies to all U.S. residents is paying income taxes. Each year, people are required to submit a federal income tax form to the U.S. government. The deadline for filing is April 15.
Another responsibility applies specifically to men. All male U.S. citizens and male legal permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register for the Selective Service A U.S. government system that maintains information on those potentially subject to military conscription. Registration is required for all male citizens and legal residents between the ages of 18 and 26. .
The federal income tax filing deadline is April 15. Missing this date can result in penalties, so this is a practical responsibility for every resident, not just citizens.
Voting: A Right and a Responsibility for Citizens
In the United States, voting in federal elections is both a right and a responsibility — and it belongs exclusively to U.S. citizens. Through federal elections, citizens choose their U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators, and the President.
The right to vote has expanded significantly over the course of American history, through four constitutional amendments and landmark legislation.
The Expansion of Voting Rights in America
15th Amendment (1870) — Extended the right to vote to male citizens of any race.
19th Amendment (1920) — Gave women the right to vote.
24th Amendment (1964) — Abolished the poll tax, meaning citizens no longer had to pay a fee to vote.
26th Amendment (1971) — Lowered the voting age to 18, so any citizen 18 or older can vote.
Other significant milestones:
- Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 — Granted citizenship (and thus voting rights) to Native Americans.
- Civil Rights Act of 1964 — Prohibited discrimination, including in voting contexts.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965 — Specifically targeted discriminatory voting practices and protected the rights of minority voters.
Today, U.S. citizens aged 18 and older can vote in federal elections.
How a Person Becomes a U.S. Citizen
There are three ways a person can become a U.S. citizen. The first is by being born in the United States, under the conditions established by the 14th Amendment Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment established birthright citizenship — anyone born in the United States is a U.S. citizen. . The second is through derived citizenship Citizenship obtained automatically by a child through a parent who is or becomes a U.S. citizen, under conditions set by Congress. , where a child acquires citizenship through a parent. The third is through naturalization The legal process by which a non-citizen voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific requirements set by federal law. — the path most relevant to people preparing for the citizenship test.
Requirements for Naturalization
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, a person must meet all of the following requirements: be at least 18 years old; be a lawful permanent resident; submit an application for naturalization along with the required fees; meet the residence and physical presence requirements in the United States; demonstrate good moral character and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; be able to read, write, speak, and understand English; have knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics); complete the naturalization test and interview process; and attend a naturalization ceremony where they take the Oath of Allegiance.
The Oath of Allegiance
The naturalization process concludes with a ceremony at which applicants raise their right hand and take the Oath of Allegiance The formal pledge taken at a naturalization ceremony, in which new citizens swear loyalty to the United States and make a series of specific commitments. . At that moment, they officially become U.S. citizens.
The promises made in the Oath include: giving up loyalty to other countries; defending the Constitution and laws of the United States; obeying U.S. laws; serving in the U.S. military if needed; performing important service for the nation if needed; and being loyal to the United States.
The Oath of Allegiance — At the naturalization ceremony, applicants raise their right hand and pledge to give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution, obey U.S. laws, serve in the military or perform national service if called upon, and be loyal to the United States.
Wrapping Up
This subchapter brings together what citizenship actually means in practice — the freedoms it guarantees, the obligations it creates, and the process that makes it official. Whether you are learning about the expansion of voting rights, the tax filing deadline, Selective Service registration, or the steps of naturalization, all of it connects back to the Constitution and the shared compact between the American people and their government. You are studying not just to pass a test, but to understand the country you are choosing to call home.
Do I need to know all four voting amendments for the citizenship test?
Yes — all four amendments related to voting rights can appear on the test. These are the 15th (1870), 19th (1920), 24th (1964), and 26th (1971) Amendments. You should also be aware of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 as significant milestones.
What is the difference between derived citizenship and naturalization?
Derived citizenship is citizenship that a child acquires automatically through a parent who is or becomes a citizen — no separate application is required. Naturalization, by contrast, is an active legal process that an individual undergoes voluntarily, involving an application, tests, an interview, and a ceremony.
All male U.S. citizens and male legal permanent residents between which ages are required to register for the Selective Service?
- Rule of law — everyone in the United States must obey the law; no one is above it.
- Federal income tax deadline is April 15 each year.
- Selective Service registration is required for all male U.S. citizens and male legal permanent residents between ages 18 and 26.
- Voting in federal elections is a right and responsibility for U.S. citizens only.
- Four voting amendments: 15th (1870, any race), 19th (1920, women), 24th (1964, no poll tax), 26th (1971, age 18+).
- Other voting milestones: Indian Citizenship Act (1924), Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965).
- Three ways to become a citizen: born in the U.S. (14th Amendment), derived citizenship, or naturalization.
- Naturalization requirements include being 18+, a lawful permanent resident, passing the English and civics tests, demonstrating good moral character, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
- The Oath of Allegiance is taken at the naturalization ceremony; promises include giving up loyalty to other countries, defending the Constitution, and being loyal to the United States.