What is a Citizen?

Definition of a Citizen

• A citizen is a legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, which can be either native or naturalized.
• Citizenship is acquired by fulfilling the legal requirements set by national, state, or local governments.

Rights and Privileges

• Nations confer specific rights and privileges to their citizens, which can include:
  • The right to vote.
  • The right to hold government offices.
  • The right to receive unemployment insurance payments.
• The value and extent of these rights vary between different countries.

Responsibilities of Citizens

• Citizens are expected to obey the laws of their country.
• There is an obligation to defend the country against its enemies.

Citizenship vs. Residency

• Merely residing in a country does not guarantee citizenship status.
• Citizens living abroad are referred to as aliens or foreigners.
• Rights and duties of these individuals are influenced by international political treaties and the laws of the host country.

Types of Citizens

• Three categories of citizens: Good citizens, Passive citizens, Bad citizens.

Good Citizens

• Strive to honor and respect their government while taking initiative to improve their country.
• Respect laws and individuals in their community.
• Divided into three sub-groups:
  • Personally Responsible Citizen: Takes individual responsibility to act positively.
  • Participatory Citizen: Engages actively in civic and community affairs.
  • Justice Oriented Citizen: Advocates for social justice and systemic change.

Sub-groups of Good Citizens

• Nationalist: Demonstrates loyalty and devotion to their country over individual or group interests; characterized by patriotism and selflessness.
• Radical Citizen: Advocates for fundamental reforms in political, economic, and social systems through direct methods; seeks change while preserving heritage.
• Political Supporter: Active in politics with strong beliefs; focuses on promoting party policies and agendas.
• Religious Fundamentalist: Upholds strict adherence to religious teachings; believes in a clear moral division between the righteous and the evildoers and often advocates to maintain these values in society.

Learn about the definition, rights, and responsibilities of a citizen in a nation or state.