# U.S. Citizenship & Comparing Countries Part of the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/index.md) *2. Becoming a Citizen* > **2.** Explain how one becomes a citizen in the United States, and explain the rights, duties, and obligations of U. S. citizenship. Discuss the similarities and differences between the rights, duties, and obligations of U. S. citizens and the citizens of two other 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: **The Naturalization Process** — Steps to become a naturalized U.S. citizen - [ ] Be at least 18 years old. - [ ] Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). - [ ] Live in the United States continuously during that time. - [ ] Demonstrate good moral character. - [ ] Pass an English language test (reading, writing, and speaking). - [ ] Pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government (100 possible questions, you must answer 6 out of 10 correctly). - [ ] Take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. > **Did You Know?** > > About 900,000 people become naturalized U.S. citizens every year. The civics test includes questions like "What is the supreme law of the land?" and "Name one right only for United States citizens." Could you pass it? ## 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 ![A diverse group of people raising their right hands and taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, with an American flag in the background](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/citizenship-ceremony?v=a5583978) ## 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: **Comparison Framework** — Key areas to examine for each country - [ ] How does someone become a citizen? (Birth, descent, naturalization, other?) - [ ] What rights do citizens have? (Speech, religion, voting, movement?) - [ ] What duties are legally required? (Military service, voting, taxes?) - [ ] Are there rights that exist in one country but not another? - [ ] How are rights protected? (Constitution, courts, international agreements?) ### 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. > **Tip** > > Pick two countries that genuinely interest you. Maybe you have family ties to another country, a friend who moved from abroad, or a country you have always wanted to visit. Your discussion will be stronger if you care about the countries you are researching. [USCIS: Learn About the United States — Quick Civics Lessons](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test): Official study materials for the U.S. naturalization civics test — a great way to test your own knowledge. [CIA World Factbook](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/): Detailed profiles of every country in the world, including government type, legal system, and citizenship laws. ![An illustrated side-by-side comparison showing three different passports with icons representing rights like voting, speech, and travel around them](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/world-citizenship-comparison?v=bc3c7748) --- You now understand how citizenship works at home and abroad. Next, you will look at how current events shape the relationships between nations. --- - Previous: [Defining World Citizenship](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/req1/index.md) - Next: [Current Events & National Interests](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/guide/req3a/index.md)