Rights & Responsibilities of Citizens Flashcards
What is the Bill of Rights?
It is the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It outlines the major rights of citizens and states.
What are the 10 amendments on the Bill of Rights?
1) right to free speech, assembly, and petition and freedom of religion
2) right to bear arms
3) soldiers will not be placed in your homes
4) no search and seizures without warrant
5) right to a jury trial and no double jeopardy or self implication
6) right to due process (speedy trial, lawyer, not guilty until otherwise)
7) right to a jury on federal trials
8) no excessive bail and no strange and unusual punishment
9) citizens have other rights not listed
10) the state gets all other powers not given to the federal govt. or prohibited to the state
What is the difference between legal obligation and civic-minded obligation?
Legal obligation are duties a citizen MUST do or risk getting legally reprimanded. For example, serving on the jury, paying taxes, and obeying the law are legal obligations.
In contrast, civic-minded obligations are things that are not legally required but are good for citizens to do to help improve/maintain society. For example, enlisting in the military or corps, volunteering, staying informed, political participation, voting, etc. are civic-minded obligations.
How does the U.S. balance individual rights and common good?
Unlike totalitarian and authoritarian governments that “place” common good over individual rights, the U.S. constitution and judicial practice attempt to balance individual rights and common good.
Specifically, although the Constitution accords individuals many rights, it does not permit individuals to use their rights in a way that deliberately harms others. For example, although one has the right to bear arms, one does not have the right to commit murder. Also, although one has the rights to free speech, one does not have the right to slander or incite riot.
How do non-citizens become citizens?
Naturalization
What is the naturalization process (5)?
1) determine eligibility
2) fill and submit form N-400
3) do fingerprint biometrics
4) attend interview and do tests: literacy, English, government & civics tests
5) take the Oath of Allegiance: pledge loyalty, law abidingness, & commitment to democracy and service
What determines the eligibility for naturalization (5)
1) be 18 years or older
2) be a permanent resident (legal resident) for at least
~5 years
3) physically and continuously have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months
4) be of good moral character
5) have democratic ideals
