What is a Citizen? From Ancient Athens to the US

The video explores the evolution of citizenship from ancient Athens to modern-day United States. It highlights the exclusive nature of citizenship in ancient Athens, where only certain men were considered citizens. In the US, the Constitution initially left citizenship decisions to states, leading to widespread exclusion. The 1790 Nationality Act introduced naturalization but only for white men. Post-Civil War, the 14th Amendment aimed to expand citizenship, yet discrimination persisted. Today, various groups continue to fight for broader citizenship rights.

In ancient Athens, who were considered citizens?

• All residents of Athens

• Only landowners

• Women and men over 18

• Men over 18 with Athenian parents

What was a significant limitation of the Nationality Act of 1790?

• It only applied to women

• It excluded people born in the US

• It was only applicable to white men

• It allowed citizenship for all immigrants

What was a common factor in the citizenship laws of ancient Athens and early US?

• Both restricted citizenship to a select group

• Both had no age restrictions for citizenship

• Both allowed women to vote

• Both granted citizenship to all residents

What did the 14th Amendment achieve in theory?

• Excluded immigrants from citizenship

• Granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the US

• Allowed only men to vote

• Restricted citizenship to landowners

What is a current challenge in the US regarding citizenship?

• Eliminating the naturalization process

• Restricting voting rights to men

• Expanding citizenship rights to various groups

• Ensuring all citizens can own land