United States History Student Edition

The main duties of the justices are to hear and rule on cases they choose from among the thousands presented to them each year. They listen to arguments, and then they must present and explain their decision—called the Court’s opinion. This opinion is then used by lower courts in making their rulings. 7 CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING 1. Analyzing Which parts of the Constitution discuss the establishment and duties of the three branches of our federal government? 2. Describing Outline the main powers of the Supreme Court. What It Means to Be a Citizen GUIDING QUESTION Citizens of the United States enjoy certain rights and liberties that are protected by the Constitution. However, being a citizen also involves important responsibilities that all Americans should assume. Our Rights Our rights fall into three main categories: the right to be protected from unfair government actions, the right to be treated equally with others, and the right to enjoy basic freedoms. Our government must treat people fairly and according to clear rules. This is spelled out in the Fifth Amendment, which says no one shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Due process means the government must follow established procedures in taking action against a citizen. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees all people equal protection of the laws. This principle means all people, regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs, must receive the same treatment under the law. The First Amendment outlines many of our basic freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of What are the rights and elements of participation of American citizens?

speech and of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom to petition the government. The Framers of the Constitution realized that in a free society in which the people rule, citizens must be able to gather and share ideas. Our rights and freedoms have certain limits, however. For example, government can limit our freedom of speech or our right to hold a protest if it threatens public health or safety. Also, one person’s exercise of his or her rights cannot take away the rights of other people. Limits on freedoms must be applied equally to all people. Our Duties and Responsibilities A citizen is a person who owes loyalty to a nation and is entitled to its protection. For the most part, anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen. U.S. soil includes American territories and military bases around the world. Citizenship is also granted to anyone born outside of the United States if one parent is a U.S. citizen. A person who was born in another country can become a citizen through a process called naturalization (NA•chuh•ruh•lih•ZAY•shuhn).

In the United States, immigrants can become citizens—and accept the rights and responsibilities that go along with it. Speculating Why might a naturalization ceremony, such as the one shown here, be an important part of becoming a citizen?

due process the legal rules and procedures the government must observe before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property equal protection the equal application of the law regardless of a person’s race, religion, political beliefs, or other qualities naturalization the process of becoming a citizen of another country

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First Governments and the Constitution 209