Citizenship and Civic Life

Native-born American citizens gain their citizenship in one of two ways. They may become citizens by birth, known as the “law of the soil,” or they may become citizens by parentage, known as the “law of the blood.” Non-citizens may become citizens through the process of naturalization. Naturalized citizens have the same status and rights as native-born citizens, but are not able to serve as the President or Vice President of the United States. Americans have a core set of civic values and believe in ideas like a representative government, the equality of all people, and the liberty of the individual. Along with these civic values, native-born and naturalized citizens have certain civic responsibilities, such as obeying the law, paying taxes, and serving on a jury. Citizens should also actively participate in the political process by voting in local, state, and national elections. This not only helps citizens address the challenges they face in society, but also helps citizens develop attachments to their community.