By MyCitizenPrep Editorial Team
U.S. citizens have specific rights (freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution) and responsibilities (obligations they accept as citizens). Rights include voting, running for office, and free speech. Responsibilities include obeying laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, and (for men 18-25) registering for Selective Service.
Rights of U.S. citizens:
- Vote in federal elections
- Run for federal office
- Apply for federal jobs
- Travel with a U.S. passport
- Bring family members to the U.S.
Responsibilities of U.S. citizens:
- Obey federal, state, and local laws
- Pay income and other taxes
- Serve on a jury when called
- Register for Selective Service (men ages 18-25)
- Defend the country if needed
Rights of U.S. Citizens
As a citizen, you gain rights that are protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States:
Rights Everyone in the U.S. Has (Citizens and Non-Citizens)
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of the press
- Freedom of assembly
- Right to bear arms
- Protection from unreasonable search
- Right to a fair trial
- Protection from cruel and unusual punishment
These rights come from the Bill of Rights and apply to everyone on U.S. soil, not just citizens.
Rights Only Citizens Have
- The right to vote in federal elections
- The right to run for federal office (President, Senator, Representative)
- The right to a U.S. passport
- The right to bring family members to the United States (through immigration petitions)
- Protection from deportation — citizens cannot be deported
- The right to hold certain government jobs that require citizenship
Voting is the most important right that distinguishes citizens from non-citizens. It is how citizens participate in their government directly.
Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens
With rights come responsibilities. Some are mandatory (required by law) and some are voluntary (important civic duties).
Mandatory Responsibilities
- Obey the law — federal, state, and local laws
- Pay taxes — federal income tax (due April 15), state and local taxes
- Serve on a jury if called — the right to a jury trial only works if citizens serve on juries
- Register for Selective Service (males ages 18-25) — registration for potential military draft
Voluntary (But Important) Responsibilities
- Vote in elections — federal, state, and local
- Participate in the democratic process — stay informed, attend town halls, contact your representatives
- Respect the rights of others — even those you disagree with
- Defend the Constitution — the Oath of Allegiance includes this commitment
- Serve the community — volunteer, help neighbors, contribute to civic life
The Oath of Allegiance
When you become a naturalized citizen, you take the Oath of Allegiance. In this oath, you promise to:
- Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States
- Renounce loyalty to any other country
- Bear arms on behalf of the United States if required by law
- Perform noncombatant service if required
- Perform work of national importance under civilian direction if required
The oath is a serious commitment. It represents the transition from resident to citizen — from someone who lives in America to someone who is responsible for America.
Voting: Your Most Powerful Right
Voting is how citizens shape the government. You can vote for:
- President — every 4 years
- U.S. Senators — every 6 years
- U.S. Representatives — every 2 years
- State and local officials — governors, mayors, city council, school boards
- Ballot measures — propositions, bond issues, referendums
To vote, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be registered to vote in your state
- Meet your state's residency requirements
The last day to vote is Election Day — the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Test Questions About Rights and Responsibilities
Q: What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? A: Serve on a jury / vote in a federal election
Q: What are two rights only for United States citizens? A: Vote in a federal election / run for federal office
Q: What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? A: Speech / religion / assembly / press / petition the government
Q: What is the "rule of law"? A: Everyone must follow the law / leaders must obey the law / government must obey the law / no one is above the law
Q: What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? A: Vote / join a political party / help with a campaign / join a civic group / give an elected official your opinion on an issue / run for office
Q: When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms? A: April 15
Q: When must all men register for the Selective Service? A: At age 18 / between 18 and 26
Frequently Asked Questions
What are two rights only for U.S. citizens?
Two rights only for U.S. citizens are voting in federal elections and running for federal office. Permanent residents have many other rights but cannot vote or run for federal office.
What are the responsibilities of a U.S. citizen?
Citizens must obey the laws, pay taxes, serve on a jury when called, and (for men 18-25) register for Selective Service. Citizens are also expected to defend the country if needed.
What is Selective Service?
Selective Service is the system that registers men ages 18-25 in case the U.S. needs to draft soldiers for the military. Registration is required by law for all male U.S. residents in this age range, including non-citizens.
Do permanent residents have the same rights as citizens?
No. Permanent residents have many rights (work, live, own property in the U.S.), but they cannot vote in federal elections, run for federal office, or apply for most federal jobs. They can also be deported for serious crimes.
Is jury duty mandatory?
Yes. Serving on a jury is a legal responsibility for U.S. citizens. If you receive a jury summons, you must respond — failure to appear can result in fines or contempt of court charges.
What rights are protected by the First Amendment?
The First Amendment protects five freedoms: speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
Key Takeaways
- Citizens have exclusive rights: voting, running for office, passport, deportation protection
- Mandatory duties: obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries, register for Selective Service
- Voluntary duties: vote, participate in democracy, serve the community
- The Oath of Allegiance commits you to supporting and defending the Constitution
- Voting is the most important civic right — Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November
- Know the difference between rights everyone has and rights only citizens have