CitizenA member of an official political

body, such as a nation or a state.

immigranta person who migrates to another country,

usually for permanent residencealso referred to as an alien

Resident AliensPeople living legally in the United

States but are not citizens

Law of the BloodPrinciple in which citizenship is determined

byparentage rather than by place of birth

Law of the SoilPrinciple in which citizenship is determined byplace of birth

Naturalized CitizenA person who is not born a U.S.

citizen who goes through the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

OathA formal pledge or promise

AllegianceLoyalty to a person, country or belief

rightsA citizen’s freedoms that are protected by

law

responsibilitySomething a citizen should do

obligationsomething a citizen is required to do by law

Civic VirtueA citizen’s commitment to

democratic ideals, practices and to good character in everyday life.

Civic EngagementThe way that citizens interact with

government around issues of public concern.

Common Goodbeliefs or actions that are seen as a

benefit to the larger community rather than individual interests

Also known as public good