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Citizenship, Rights, and Protections
A citizen is someone who is given certain rights and duties under a government. Either by birth or by choice, a citizen owes allegiance to that government.
Fourteenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, known as the Reconstruction Amendment, was designed to grant citizenship and protect the civil liberties of recently freed slaves. It also defined citizenship for all Americans. It stated that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.” Since the ratification of this amendment, immigration and naturalization have created an increasingly diverse American society.
The Fourteenth Amendment states two ways or means of obtaining citizenship: birth and naturalization. Citizenship by birth can be claimed if a person’s parents are American citizens or if he or she is born on American soil. Citizenship by naturalization can be claimed if a person meets certain requirements. Some of these requirements include the ability to read, speak, and write in ordinary usage in the English language, the ability to demonstrate knowledge of American history and the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the United States.
Along with protecting a citizen’s rights and liberties, the Fourteenth Amendment also outlines the right to due process. Due process of law is constitutional protection for American citizens against unfair governmental actions and law. The Fourteenth Amendment prohibits both state and local governments from acting unfairly.
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SOL CE.3a,bNotepage for Student
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Citizenship, Rights, and Protections (cont’d)
First Amendment
A citizen’s fundamental rights and liberties are also guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. However, it is important to know that few rights, if any, are considered absolute. The First Amendment to the Constitution does address the following freedoms:
©2010
A citizen is someone who is given certain rights and duties under a government. Either by birth or by choice, a citizen owes allegiance to that government.
Fourteenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, known as the Reconstruction Amendment, was designed to grant citizenship and protect the civil liberties of recently freed slaves. It also defined citizenship for all Americans. It stated that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.” Since the ratification of this amendment, immigration and naturalization have created an increasingly diverse American society.
The Fourteenth Amendment states two ways or means of obtaining citizenship: birth and naturalization. Citizenship by birth can be claimed if a person’s parents are American citizens or if he or she is born on American soil. Citizenship by naturalization can be claimed if a person meets certain requirements. Some of these requirements include the ability to read, speak, and write in ordinary usage in the English language, the ability to demonstrate knowledge of American history and the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the United States.
Along with protecting a citizen’s rights and liberties, the Fourteenth Amendment also outlines the right to due process. Due process of law is constitutional protection for American citizens against unfair governmental actions and law. The Fourteenth Amendment prohibits both state and local governments from acting unfairly.
©2010
SOL CE.3a,bNotepage for Student
Page 2
Citizenship, Rights, and Protections (cont’d)
First Amendment
A citizen’s fundamental rights and liberties are also guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. However, it is important to know that few rights, if any, are considered absolute. The First Amendment to the Constitution does address the following freedoms:
- Freedom of Religion – This freedom states that the government may not establish or set up an official religion. It also cannot endorse or support a particular religion or interfere with a person’s right to practice their religion.
- Freedom of Speech – This freedom states that a person is free to express or share their opinions and beliefs.
- Freedom of Press – This freedom states that the press or media has the right to gather and publish information even if that information criticizes the government.
- Freedom of Assembly – This freedom states that people may gather peacefully for such things as rallies or protests.
- Freedom of Petition – This freedom allows people to make their views known to public officials.
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