American Government and Civics: American Government and Civics, List 1

We the people at Vocabulary.com, in order to form a more perfect lexicon, establish this collection of words associated with U.S. citizenship. You'll review the structure of the American government, elections, juries, and more as you explore the rights and responsibilities of American citizens.

Here are links to our lists in the collection: List 1, List 2, List 3
15 words 1971 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. citizenship
    membership in a state with rights and duties
    So they applied for U.S. citizenship, sitting up at night reading the Constitution, a dictionary by their side, and studying for the exam. The Book of Unknown Americans
  2. nation
    a politically organized body of people under a government
    Jamaica is like Cuba; both are Caribbean island nations. The Sense of Style
  3. green card
    a document identifying someone as a permanent U.S. resident
    Customers in the laundromat talk about "green cards" and "papers" that give them permission to stay in the United States. The Sky at Our Feet
  4. naturalization
    the proceeding whereby a foreigner is granted citizenship
    After the ceremony ended, we were directed to wait in a line that corresponded with our last name to turn over our green card and to receive a certificate of naturalization. Americanized
  5. allegiance
    the loyalty that citizens owe to their country
    “October twentieth—just two weeks! Hundreds of people will be there, and I think we all pledge allegiance to the flag together. I get to miss school and everything.” Amina's Voice
  6. oath
    a solemn promise regarding your future acts or behavior
    We swore sacred oaths to be strong and to save the planet and to be friends for ever. Wintergirls
  7. civic
    of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals
    Then, he reminds them that they are Romans— with all the civic and legal duties implied by citizenship. Words Like Loaded Pistols
  8. responsibility
    the social force that binds you to a course of action
    They had an equal responsibility for keeping the apartment clean, for cooking, and for taking care of the boys. We'll Fly Away
  9. right
    an abstract idea of that which is due by law or nature
    They had all renamed themselves, the article said, adding that it was a right belonging to every American citizen. The Namesake
  10. government
    the organization that is in charge of a political unit
    I keep hoping she’ll invite Mrs. Hameed over for coffee, or to get their nails done while they discuss the three branches of government. A Place at the Table
  11. democracy
    a political system in which power lies in a body of citizens
    “In a democracy, the government is the people,” Milo explained. Catch-22
  12. capitalism
    an economic system based on private ownership of assets
    In June 1956, in the monthly journal Liberation, I pointed out that the charter endorsed private enterprise and would allow capitalism to flourish among Africans for the first time. Long Walk to Freedom
  13. constitution
    law determining the fundamental principles of a government
    The first article of the constitution says the French Republic and its values are considered universal, ensuring that all citizens have the same rights, regardless of their origin, race or religion. Washington Times (Nov 29, 2021)
  14. amendment
    a statement that is added to a proposal or document
    What amendment would you make to the Constitution if you were President of the United States? The Pigman
  15. Bill of Rights
    a statement of fundamental freedoms and privileges
    The first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were approved in 1791. Washington Post (Aug 17, 2020)
Created on Fri May 13 08:38:09 EDT 2022 (updated Fri Jul 08 10:56:00 EDT 2022)

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