The Obligations, Responsibilities, and Rights of Citizens

The list below identifies several activities. 
*  Attending a school board meeting
*  Voting in a primary election
*  Helping on a phone bank for a mayoral candidate
*  Putting a candidate's sign in your yard
*  Registering voters at a community college
What do these activities illustrate?

• Ways that citizens can run for political office
• opportunities for citizens to participate in national elections
• opportunities for citizens to influence political action committees
• ways in which citizens actively participate in the political process

The diagram shows the requirements for becoming a naturalized citizen.
Which statement completes the diagram?

• Pay federal income tax
• Have an annual income of $20,000 or more
• Have resided in the United States for five years
• Have a close relative (parent, spouse or child) who is a U.S. Citizen.

This document was part of a summons to perform an important civic duty. 
Why is it important for citizens to meet the obligation requested in this document? 

• to guarantee our right to confront witnesses.
• to preserve constitutional limits on governmental power.
• to guarantee our right to be judged by a jury of our peers.
• to protect our right to petition for a writ of habeas corpus. 

Evidence obtained unlawfully by the police cannot be used in an American court of law.  Which citizenship right prohibits this practice?

• protection against double jeopardy
• the right to face an accuser in open court
• the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury
• protection against unreasonable searches and seizures 

This photograph on the left shows an accomplishment of two men.  What are three of the requirements she had to fulfill for this accomplishment? 

• resident in the United States for five years; be of "good character;" pass a U.S. history test
• be of "good character;" pass a test of general knowledge; have a high school diploma
• be of "good character;" enter the United States lawfully; earn more than $20,000 annually
• reside in the United States for five years; enter the United States lawfully; serve in the armed forces

Which practice is part of the obligation of a U.S. citizen to help defend the nation?

• serve on a jury
• register for Selective Service
• vote in all national elections
• keep informed about national issues

This sign was placed in public view by members of United Way. 
Which statement best describes the impact of such activities by private citizens?

• They enable volunteers to earn more money.
• They often lead to friction between volunteer groups.
• They increase government involvement in people's lives.
• They can make a positive difference in the lives of those they help. 

Joe Smith was found guilty of counterfeiting.  When Smith was tried a second time for the same crime, he was found guilty.
Which citizenship right of Joe Smith has been violated?

• the guarantee of a speedy trial by jury in the Sixth Amendment?
• the prohibition against double jeopardy in the fifth amendment
• the right to face and question witnesses in the Sixth Amendment
• the ban on cruel and unusual punishments in the Eighth Amendment

Below are some facts relating to the case of Jane Brown:
Jane Brown was arrested for shoplifting a CD.  This was her first offense. She was fined $5,000 and sentenced to 5 years in prison. 
Which citizenship right of Jane Brown has been violated?

• the prohibition of double jeopardy in the Fifth Amendment
• the right to petition the government in the First Amendment
• the right to face and question witnesses in the Sixth Amednment
• the ban on cruel and unusual punishment in the Eight Amendment

The table shows how U.S. voting rights have expanded in response to issues and problems. 
Which statement best completes the table?

• Women demanded the right to vote.
• Native Americans demanded the right to vote.
• Men without property demanded the right to vote.
• African Americans demanded the right to vote without paying any special taxes.