Once someone becomes a citizen, what changes? Many rights belong to everyone in the United States, citizen or not: the freedoms of speech, religion and assembly, due process, equal protection. A few rights and duties belong only to citizens.
| Required by law | Encouraged (civic habits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duties | obey federal, state and local laws; pay taxes (federal income tax returns are usually due April 15); serve on a jury when summoned; men 18 through 25 must be registered with the Selective Service System; appear in court when summoned as a witness | vote; stay informed; volunteer; attend public meetings; contact officials; respect others' rights |
| Rights only for citizens | vote in federal elections; run for federal office; serve on a federal jury; hold a U.S. passport |
Why it works
Why make some duties legal requirements and others only civic habits? The required ones keep the system working: courts need jurors, government needs taxes, and the armed forces need a list of men who could be drafted in an emergency (there has been no draft since 1973). Voting is a right in the United States, not a legal duty; some countries, such as Australia, require it. A healthy republic depends on the voluntary habits too, which is why civics classes and the oath stress them.
Key idea
Citizens have rights only they hold (voting in federal elections, running for federal office, serving on a jury) and legal duties (obeying laws, paying taxes, jury service when summoned, Selective Service registration for men 18 to 25). Voting is a right, not a legal requirement; staying informed and taking part are civic habits.
Worked example: Duty or habit?
Is voting required by law in the United States?
- No federal or state law requires citizens to vote.
- It is a right that citizens choose to use.
Answer: No; it is a right, not a legal duty.
Worked example: Citizens only?
Ana is a permanent resident, not a citizen. Which may she do: speak at a protest, vote for President, attend her chosen church?
- Free speech and religion protect everyone in the U.S.
- Voting in federal elections is limited to citizens.
Answer: She may speak and worship freely, but not vote for President.
Common mistake
Mixing up legal duties and civic habits. Jury service when summoned and paying taxes are required by law; voting is a right that is not required. Check: is there a penalty in law for not doing it?