A person who is granted full rights and responsibilities as a member of a nation or political community by virtue of birth, the nationality of one or both parents, or naturalization. Citizenship is a fundamental right that comes with duties, including obeying the law and paying taxes. It also includes the constitutional guarantee that a criminal defendant will receive a fair trial. Citizenship is also a key part of the concept of corporate social responsibility, which requires businesses to take action that benefits the interests of their citizens.
The act of becoming a citizen. The process of gaining citizenship may vary by country, but generally involves fulfilling certain requirements, such as a period of residence and a test of civic knowledge. Citizenship is a major decision for those considering immigration, and there are many ways to gain citizenship, including naturalization, marriage to a citizen, or adoption by a citizen.
A strong rule made by a government that must be obeyed. Laws can be written or unwritten, and they may govern many aspects of life, from driving to financial planning. They are often created to establish standards, maintain order, resolve disputes, and protect people’s liberties and rights.
In the United States, the Constitution and laws of the state and federal governments set the rules that citizens must follow. The laws of a city or town may differ from those of the state, but they should all be consistent with federal law. A person who lives in a different country from the one in which they are a citizen is referred to as an alien. A legal alien may be allowed to stay for a long time, but they cannot vote or hold public office in the country in which they reside.
Laws may be based on custom, tradition, or religion, and they can also be made through the process of lawmaking. The laws of a country are usually derived from a written constitution, which sets the framework for how the government functions and describes core human, procedural, and property rights. The law shapes politics, economics, history, and society in numerous ways. Its influence is strongest in democratic countries, where laws are widely accessible and enforceable by the people. In autocracies, the law is less transparent and is largely dictated by the ruling party. Laws are also shaped by economic and social factors, including the availability of goods and services, the relative ease or difficulty of obtaining a job, the quality of education, and the degree to which the people share power with their government. These factors can make a difference in the quality of life for citizens and their families.