Rights and Responsibilities

What to know

The Bill of Rights and later amendments protect individual freedoms. The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly and the right to petition the government. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment protects against being forced to testify against yourself and promises due process to every person, not only citizens. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a lawyer in criminal cases.

Voting rights grew over time. The 15th Amendment said the vote cannot be denied because of race, the 19th Amendment extended it to women, the 24th Amendment banned poll taxes in federal elections, and the 26th Amendment set the voting age at 18. The 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection of the laws.

Citizens also have responsibilities. Voting in federal elections and serving on a jury are responsibilities only citizens hold. Everyone living in the United States is expected to obey the law and pay taxes, which fund public services. Staying informed and taking part in your community are other ways to participate in democracy.

Key facts to remember

• 1st Amendment: religion, speech, press, assembly, petition.
• 4th Amendment: no unreasonable searches and seizures.
• 5th Amendment: due process; no forced self-incrimination.
• 6th Amendment: right to a lawyer in criminal cases.
• 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments expanded voting rights.
• 14th Amendment: equal protection of the laws.
• Jury service and voting in federal elections are responsibilities of citizens.

Read the official study materials

This summary is our own and doesn’t replace the official guide. Read “Rights and Responsibilities” in the USCIS study materials on uscis.gov, then test yourself below. Next topic: Colonial period & independence.