Everett Library: QLC 250: Theater of the Oppressed: American Civics

U.S. Government and Citizenship: A Brief Overview

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities (from USCIS, "Should I Consider U.S. Citizenship?")

Below you will find several rights and responsibilities that all citizens should exercise and respect. Some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are important to ensuring that America remains a free and prosperous nation.

Rights

Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to worship as you wish.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
Right to vote in elections for public officials.
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
Right to run for elected office.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Responsibilities

Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in your local community.
Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
Serve on a jury when called upon.
Defend the country if the need should arise.

U.S. Tribal Governments Today

Before Europeans: Native American Governments

Native American Governments | Simple Civics
Long before Europeans arrived in the U.S., Native Americans had sophisticated governments. In this episode, we explore the societies of three nations: The Iroquois, Muscogee, and Pueblo. These tribes have upheld progressive principles for centuries: from matriarchal leadership to rights for ex-convicts, and the founding fathers used these ideas when creating the U.S. government.