Читать книгу U.S. Citizenship For Dummies - Jennifer Gagliardi - Страница 14

When you become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must take the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath of Allegiance is your promise to the government and the people of the United States that you will

 Give up any prior allegiances to other countries.

 Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States against all enemies.

 Support, defend, and obey the laws of the United States.

 Serve the United States, if required, in times of war or national emergency. You may be called to serve in the military or help U.S. military efforts in some capacity.

 Swear allegiance to the United States.

In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the Oath of Allegiance, U.S. citizens have other important duties:

 Serving on a jury: One of the most important rights in the United States is the right to a trial by a jury in most cases. Serving on a jury when asked is an important obligation of U.S. citizens in order to protect the U.S. system of justice, in which the power still rests with the people. Although there is a small chance you may never be called to report for jury duty, know that if you do receive a notice to report, you’re legally compelled to do so. Failure to report for jury duty can result in a fine, jail time, or both.

 Voting: The United States has a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The ultimate political authority is not in the hands of the government or of any single government official — instead, the ultimate political authority is in the hands of the people. Citizens of the United States have the right to change or abolish the government or to amend the Constitution. U.S. citizens exercise their power by voting for elected representatives.

 Being tolerant of others: Some people say that the United States is a “melting pot,” the assimilation of many different peoples to create one people; others say that the United States is more like a “tossed salad,” a medley of different cultures — each separately identifiable — while still enhancing the common culture. People living here need to be tolerant of all races, religions, and cultures.

Although you aren’t legally compelled to perform some of these duties — for instance, no one will take you to jail if you don’t exercise your right to vote — you will deprive yourself of the important benefits of living in the United States if you don’t participate.