02 - Roles, Rights, & Responsibilities of Citizens

SS.7.C.2.1 (L1)

Which is a requirement for a person to become a naturalized U.S. citizen?  

• Marrying a U.S. citizen and having a child with that person.

• Gaining employment in the U.S. for at least five years.

• Being a legal resident of the U.S. for at least five years.

• Reaching age eighteen while living in the U.S. capital.

Answer explanation

One must be a legal resident for at least five years is one of several requirements for naturalization in the United States. 

SS.7.C.2.1 (L2)

The events below describe the use of a government document.

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Laura was born in France and lived in France until she immigrated to the U.S. at age 21.  At age 25, Laura visited Morocco on vacation.     

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Why did Laura use a U.S. passport to travel?

• Laura was a resident alien of the U.S.

• Laura was a U.S. citizen by the law of soil.

• Laura was a resident national of the U.S.

• Laura was a U.S. citizen by the law of blood.

Answer explanation

In order to carry a U.S. passport, Laura must be a citizen. It does not say she was naturalized. We can conclude then that she has at least one U.S. born parent, so the condition of natural born citizenship around the “law of blood” applies. 

SS.7.C.2.1 (L2)

This passage describes a court decision.

How did the court apply the 14^th Amendment to decide this case?   

• To deny a native person citizenship rights does not support constitutional principles.

• Persons born outside the U.S. are not permitted to pursue citizenship because they are unemployed. 

• A naturalized citizen possesses all the rights of a native citizen according to the Constitution.

• Persons born outside the U.S. are not permitted to pursue citizenship because they do not own property.

Answer explanation

The 14th Amendment identifies that U.S. citizens include those who are born or in the United States.  The citizenship of one’s parents is not a consideration.

SS.7.C.2.1 (L2)

This table of the four most populated states in the United States.

How might these populations affect political campaigns?

• Candidates for governor will campaign for immigration reform in Texas.

• Candidates for governor will campaign for naturalization reform in California.

• Candidates for president will campaign for immigration reform in Florida. 

• Candidates for president will campaign for naturalization reform in New York.

Answer explanation

The percentage of immigrants to New York who become naturalized is the highest among these four states, and is more than half.  Newly naturalized citizens would most likely support presidents seeking to reform naturalization policy.

SS.7.C.2.1 (L3)

This table describes permanent resident status.

Based on the table, what could be predicted about the impact of permanent residents on government?

• The number of persons seeking citizenship by law of soil would decline.

• The number of persons seeking naturalization would be affected by elections for Congress.

• The number of persons seeking citizenship by law of blood would increase.

• The number of persons seeking naturalization would be affected by elections for governor.  

Answer explanation

Article I of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to make naturalization policy.  The viewpoints of those elected to Congress will be reflected in lawmaking. 

SS.7.C.2.2 (L1)

What right do citizens have?

• attending public schools

• holding a job

• owning property

• voting

Answer explanation

Only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote, including natural-born and naturalized citizens.

SS.7.C.2.2 (L2)

A citizen received this notification in the mail.

What civic obligation does this notification represent?

• getting a driver's license

• paying income tax

• appearing for jury duty

• registering to vote

Answer explanation

Jury duty is an obligation of citizenship that ensures the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial in criminal prosecutions. 

SS.7.C.2.2 (L2)

Which type of service project would help promote the common good? 

• planning a neighborhood recycling program

• completing homework on time

• participating in a neighborhood party

• visiting public libraries

Answer explanation

A neighborhood recycling program deals with the civic problem of pollution and landfills. 

SS.7.C.2.2 (L2)

Which example is NOT a responsibility of citizenship?

• volunteering in the community

• voting in elections

• attending civic meetings

• paying taxes

Answer explanation

Paying taxes is an obligation of citizenship; it is not a responsibility of citizenship.  Responsibilities of citizenship are optional while obligations of citizenship are required.

SS.7.C.2.2 (L3)

This image describes a citizen obligation.

Based on this image, what can be presumed about citizen obligations? 

• Citizens support attending civic meetings.

• Citizens resist registering for selective service.

• Citizens support securing individual rights.

• Citizens resist contributing to the common good.

Answer explanation

Serving on jury duty supports the Sixth Amendment right to criminal jury trials.  Distributing the message with a postage stamp, and associating the phrase “serve with pride” to it, suggests and citizens need to be encouraged to fulfill this citizenship obligation for the sake of the common good.  Citizens often resist participating in jury duty.