Study Guide – Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Magna Carta – 1215 English document which guaranteed certain rights to free
Englishmen. Many of the basic rights in our Constitution were derived from the Magna
Carta, such as no unlawful searches and seizures and trial by jury. It limited the power
of the king.
What is a citizen? A legal member of a nation who pledges loyalty to that nation.
What are the two ways one becomes a U.S. citizen?
1. By birth – a child born in the U.S. or to citizens of the U.S. is a U.S. citizen.
2. By naturalization – meeting certain requirements and completing the 5 steps of
the naturalization process.
Civil rights are a citizen’s basic rights and freedoms, which may be personal or political.
Rights fall into 3 broad categories:
1. Basic freedoms
2. Personal protections from unfair government actions
3. Equal protection (treatment) under the law
Name three examples of rights, provided by the Constitution, for each of the three categories.
Basic Freedoms – 1st Amendment Rights
1. Freedom of speech, press, and religion
2. Freedom of peaceful assembly
4. Freedom to petition government for change (or complain to government)
Personal Protections From Unfair Government Actions
1. Protection from unreasonable search and seizure - 4th Amendment
2. The right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury - 6th Amendment
3. Protection from cruel and unusual punishment
- 8th Amendment
Equal Treatment Under The Law
1. All citizens have the right to vote, regardless of race or gender.
2. The government must prevent discrimination of any individual or group based
on differences.
3. The rights of Americans with disabilities are protected by law.
Identify and explain two examples of how rights that the Constitution guarantees U.S.
citizens can also have limitations, or restrictions.
1. American citizens have the right to freedom of speech, but that does not entitle
one to falsely yell “Fire” in a crowded movie theatre or public place.
2. Americans have the right to bear arms, but that does not allow one to place the
safety of others in jeopardy by carrying a firearm around or have target
practice in public.
What is the difference between personal responsibilities and civic responsibilities?
Personal responsibilities involve taking care of yourself, helping your family,
and behaving properly and respectfully, while civic responsibilities involve your
government and community.
Give three examples of civic responsibilities of U.S. citizens.
1. Jury duty
2. Serving in the military
3. Obeying rules and laws and paying taxes
What does it mean to be a responsible voter and a good citizen?
A responsible voter stays informed on the issues and candidates and good citizens
actively try to make their community/country a fair and just place to live.
John Locke – Enlightenment philosopher who argued that people had natural rights to
life, liberty, and property. Governments are created to protect those rights. When
government fails to do so, people have the right to change it.
Due process of law – guaranteed by 5th and 6th Amendments of Constitution, stating that
no person shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” It
means that government must follow procedures established by law and guaranteed by the
Constitution, treating all people according to these principles.
(Miranda rights, right to attorney, and a speedy, fair public trial by an impartial jury of
peers are all part of the due process of law found in the 5th & 6th amendments.)
List 3 ways U.S. citizens can take action to influence changes in government.
1. Run for a political office
2. Take part in a political campaign and vote
3. Start a petition and get enough signatures to get something on the ballot, or
protest peacefully
4. Write letters to your local or national government representatives voicing
your concerns
Which of the rights found in our Bill of Rights can be traced back to the Magna Carta?
Protection from unreasonable search and seizure
Trial by jury of peers
Which of the rights found in the Bill of Rights can be traced back to the English Bill of Rights?
No excessive fines or bail and protection from cruel or unusual punishment
Freedom to petition government from for change or complain about grievances