Definitions of Citizenship

Citizenship and the State

• Citizenship is closely tied to the state, as it grants individuals a sense of belonging and identity within a particular nation.
• The state, in turn, confers rights and responsibilities upon its citizens.

Responsibilities of Citizenship

• The usual responsibilities of citizenship include loyalty, paying taxes, and military service.
• Citizens are also expected to participate in the democratic process by voting, engaging in civic activities, and respecting the rule of law.

Aristotle's Definition of Citizenship

• According to Aristotle, a citizen is someone who shares in the governance of the state and participates in the administration of justice.

Vattel's Definition of Citizenship

• Vattel defines citizenship as the possession of civil rights, with the key aspect being the right to participate in the government.

Full Political Rights and Citizenship

• Full political rights are predicated upon citizenship because it is the basis of an individual's membership in the political community.

Jus Soli Principle

• The legal principle that a person's nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth is known as jus soli.

Citizenship in the Philippines

• Under the 1987 Constitution Article IV, Section 1, citizens of the Philippines are those who are born to a Filipino mother or father, or those who are naturalized in accordance with the law.

Naturalization

• The judicial act of adopting a foreigner and clothing him with the privileges of a native-born citizen is called naturalization.

Aliens in the Philippines

• Aliens in the Philippines are those who are not citizens of the country.

Active Citizenship

• Active citizens engage in various activities to promote and sustain democracy, such as participating in civic organizations, advocating for policy changes, and holding elected officials accountable.

Test your understanding of different definitions of citizenship according to Aristotle, Vattal, and Laski. Explore the varying perspectives on what it means to be a citizen in different societies and political contexts.