Req 2 — U.S. Citizenship & Comparing Countries

This requirement has two big parts: understanding U.S. citizenship from the inside, and then comparing it with how citizenship works elsewhere. Let’s break it down.

How Does Someone Become a U.S. Citizen?

There are two main paths to U.S. citizenship:

Birthright Citizenship

If you were born in the United States or certain U.S. territories, you are automatically a citizen. This principle is called jus soli (Latin for “right of the soil”) and is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. You are also a citizen at birth if at least one of your parents is a U.S. citizen, even if you were born in another country — this is called jus sanguinis (“right of blood”).

Naturalization

People who are not born as U.S. citizens can become citizens through a process called naturalization. Here are the basic steps:

Rights, Duties, and Obligations of U.S. Citizens

Understanding the difference between rights, duties, and obligations is important:

• Rights are things you are entitled to do or have. The government protects them.
• Duties are things you are expected to do as a citizen. Some are legally required.
• Obligations are moral or civic responsibilities — things good citizens should do, even if no law forces them.

Rights

The Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments guarantee many freedoms, including:

• Freedom of speech, religion, and the press (First Amendment)
• Right to bear arms (Second Amendment)
• Right to a fair trial and due process (Fifth and Sixth Amendments)
• Right to vote (various amendments extended this to all citizens 18 and older)
• Right to run for elected office
• Right to a passport and the freedom to travel

Duties (Legally Required)

• Obey federal, state, and local laws
• Pay taxes
• Serve on a jury when called
• Register with the Selective Service (required for males ages 18–25)
• Attend school (for minors, as required by state law)

Obligations (Civic Responsibilities)

• Vote in elections
• Stay informed about issues and candidates
• Participate in your community
• Respect the rights and opinions of others
• Defend the country if needed

Comparing Citizenship Around the World

Now comes the interesting part — comparing the U.S. system with other countries. You will need to pick two countries for your counselor discussion. Here are some examples to get you thinking:

What to Compare

When you compare countries, look at these areas:

Example Comparisons

Here are a few countries that make for interesting comparisons:

Germany — Germany uses jus sanguinis (citizenship through parents) as its primary method, though children born in Germany to long-term residents can also qualify. Germany requires military or civilian service registration and has strong protections for free speech, though it bans speech that promotes hatred or denies the Holocaust.

Japan — Japan is one of the strictest countries for citizenship. It does not allow dual citizenship for adults and grants citizenship almost exclusively through parentage. Naturalization is possible but difficult. Japanese citizens have rights similar to Americans, but the culture places a strong emphasis on duties to society.

Australia — Australia grants citizenship by birth (if a parent is a citizen or permanent resident) and through naturalization. One major difference: voting in Australia is compulsory. If you do not vote, you can be fined. Australia also requires a civics test for naturalization, similar to the U.S.

Brazil — Brazil uses jus soli like the United States — anyone born on Brazilian soil is a citizen. Brazil also allows dual citizenship. Voting is compulsory for citizens ages 18–70. Brazil’s constitution guarantees many of the same rights as the U.S., plus some social rights like the right to education and healthcare.

You now understand how citizenship works at home and abroad. Next, you will look at how current events shape the relationships between nations.