Civics Rights and Responsibilities Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a right reserved ONLY for United States citizens?
- Freedom of speech
- Run for federal office (Correct answer)
- The right to bear arms
- Freedom of religion
Correct answer: Run for federal office
The right to run for federal office is exclusively for U.S. citizens. Other rights, such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and freedom of religion, are guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone living in the United States.
Question 2: A 25-year-old lawful permanent resident has lived in the U.S. for ten years. He receives a notice for jury duty. How should he respond?
- Ignore the notice, as it does not apply to him.
- Serve on the jury to fulfill his civic duty.
- Request to be excused because only U.S. citizens are required to serve on a jury. (Correct answer)
- Postpone his service until after he becomes a citizen.
Correct answer: Request to be excused because only U.S. citizens are required to serve on a jury.
Serving on a jury is a responsibility that is only for United States citizens. As a lawful permanent resident, he is not eligible to serve and should inform the court of this fact to be excused.
Question 3: What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
- To register to vote in every election
- To defend the Constitution and laws of the United States (Correct answer)
- To join a political party
- To make a donation to a federal institution
Correct answer: To defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
When becoming a U.S. citizen, individuals take an Oath of Allegiance. A key promise in this oath is to defend the Constitution and obey the laws of the United States.
Question 4: Which of the following is a right guaranteed to EVERYONE living in the United States, regardless of citizenship status?
- Voting in a federal election
- Running for president
- Serving on a jury
- Freedom of assembly (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Freedom of assembly
The Bill of Rights grants certain fundamental rights to all people within the United States, including freedom of assembly. Voting in federal elections, running for federal office, and serving on a jury are rights and responsibilities reserved for U.S. citizens.
Question 5: All men of a certain age group are required to register for the Selective Service. What is the primary purpose of this responsibility?
- To ensure all men are registered to vote
- To have a list of men who could be drafted into the armed forces if needed (Correct answer)
- To track employment statistics for young men
- To require a mandatory year of military service
Correct answer: To have a list of men who could be drafted into the armed forces if needed
The Selective Service system maintains a list of men who could be called upon for military service in the event of a national emergency that requires a draft. Registration is a civic duty and is required by law.
Question 6: Which action is an example of a citizen participating in their democracy?
- Paying federal income taxes
- Obeying traffic laws
- Voting in a local election (Correct answer)
- Obtaining a U.S. passport
Correct answer: Voting in a local election
Participating in democracy involves actively engaging in the civic process. Voting in elections is a primary way Americans can participate. While paying taxes and obeying laws are responsibilities, voting is a direct form of participation in self-government.
Which of the following is a right reserved ONLY for United States citizens?