Rights that Come with American Citizenship- How Have They Evolved Over Time?
The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights (the first ten Amendments of the Constitution) reveal the United States founders' view on the importance of every individual's rights and freedoms and a limited government. The American Revolution had occurred because people in the United States were tired under the Britain's rule. The King abused his power and usually passed illegitimate legislation that hurt and angered the people. Everyone, except for elected officials by the King, suffered. That is why, the first document written upon separation, the Declaration of Independence clearly stated that everyone is created as equals and that everyone has the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Then, the Constitution was written to summarize the rights, powers, and duties of the people and the government in US. The Bill of Rights lists specific civil liberties and rights not mentioned in the rest of the Constitution.
However, the United States one sees today has completely evolved from the past. Many of the rights that we hold and cherish were not granted back then. Although the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights stated all the rights and freedoms that each person was to have, it was mainly directed to only white men. African Americans, women, Asian Americans, and Native Americans were discriminated against. Below are some rights that citizens today have. I will explain how they have changed over time.
1) Right to Freedom of Speech (including press and petition): Everyone has the right to speak out publicly or privately. However, "hate speech" is banned. Anything that provokes violence or hatred against someone else is prohibited. Alas, now this is changing. A person can get away with a racist comment toward a person of another race, gender, and religion.
2) Right to Freedom of Religion: Everyone has the right to practice his or her own religion without being oppressed or persecuted. This has definitely evolved. Although the United States allows freedom to worship any religion, people are targeted for their point of view. For example, Muslim Americans are made fun of, threatened, and targeted when the Bill of Rights clearly gives everyone the right of freedom of religion.
3) Right to Assemble: People have the right to gather to discuss ideas or to peacefully protest for reform or any other issue.
4) Right to be Free of Unreasonable Searches or Seizures: No one has the right to search or seize people, property, or documents without a warrant.
5) Right to a Trial by Jury: Everyone has the right of being innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, it is important to be tried by the court.
6) Right to be Treated Equally: All men are equal under God. All races and gender are to be given equal rights (as white men).This was big issue for most of the United States's history. Women and people of other races were not equally treated. Although the circumstance has changed now, there were many rights and freedoms limited to only white men. For example, blacks were slaves and now see the difference. Barack Obama is our President! Full equality has not yet been reached, but surely soon it will arrive.
7) Miranda Rights: The right to an attorney if someone is arrested or accused of a crime.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense"In 1966, the case Miranda v. Arizona changed the way police handled those who were arrested. The Supreme Court made a landmark with that ruling.
8) Right to Vote: Everyone is given the right to vote to decide on issues and to elect officials.
Before only white men were allowed to vote. Through much protesting by other minority groups, finally everyone, of all races and gender, can vote.
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Benefits of Being an American
Many times, the United States has been referred to "land of the free and home of the brave" and "land of opportunities." These nicknames live up to their names especially because the United States provides numerous benefits for its people.
First and foremost, the United States grants its citizens their full rights and ensures protection from harm or danger. Citizens have the right to vote in elections for officials and policies. They are allowed to sponsor relatives from abroad, who have shorter waiting times compared to others. The American passport is a powerful thing. It lets citizens travel to various countries and even live abroad without worrying about losing their citizenship. Becoming a citizen means that one cannot be deported no matter what the circumstances are. Also only citizens of the United States can hold public elected offices. Lastly, the government provides public benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
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Our Responsibilities as Americans
- Obeying all the laws set forth by the government
- Pledging allegiance to the US
- Voting (this is what our nation fought for)
- Paying taxes
- Defending the nation when it needs our help and support
- Giving back to the society with a helping hand (by volunteering)
- Defending ours and others' liberties and rights
- Respecting others' opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions
- Becoming more tolerant of others
- Attending school to build a more educated society
- Becoming a better person
Struggles and Challenges by Minorities over the Years
As I have mentioned above, in its early years, the United States did not live up to its pledges. The idea "Everyone is created as equals" was especially not heeded. All benefits, rights, and opportunities went to the white men. Women and men of other races were persecuted, threatened, and looked down upon. Then when they had enough, they worked to end it all. Efforts made by African Americans/ blacks and women were probably the greatest in American history. Below are just summaries of their actions.
African Americans/Blacks (those born in America): Originally African Americans were captured from Africa and were brought here to be sold as slaves. For about a hundred years, slavery continued in America until the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which formally ended slavery, in 1865. It did not give blacks their rights nor citizenship. The 14th Amendment granted African Americans citizenship. Furthermore, the 15th Amendment stated that race cannot be used as a condition to deprive people of voting. Small steps like these helped blacks achieving their goal, but they also had to put a lot of effort of their own. For example, Harriet Tubman became an important figure in history, when she helped thousands of black slaves escape to the North or Canada. In 1909, NAACP was established, with W.E.B. Du Bois as its President. Blacks began taking more steps, like Rosa Parks refused to get off her seat on the bus for a white and Martin Luther King Jr. began addressing the nation for this injustice. After many losses and many successes, blacks have come extremely close to achieving equal rights. Although racism and discrimination continues today, blacks still have their rights, freedoms, and opportunities to live with. One day soon their dream will come true.
Women: Women were usually seen as man's inferior, to support him in everything. Women could not vote, hold political offices, or work in fields that men did. The Women Civil Rights Movement began when Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the National Women Suffrage Association to achieve voting rights for women. After becoming achieving their right to vote in 1919, women worked to achieve equality in education and employment. Till now, like blacks, women have come close in gaining equal rights, but they are not there yet.
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Challenges that Still Exist for Minorities
Nothing is ever perfect. That is why we always have to work to come close to it. Mentioned above, discrimination and racism still exist towards minorities and are the biggest challenge to them. Minorities often forget about their cultures so that they can "blend" in. However, wasn't America build to become a melting pot? Do we want people of different ethnicity to leave their customs behind? No. Therefore, instead of being against them, we should encourage their way of life. We need to support minorities so that they can live with their head held up high. I believe that minorities should feel proud of who they are, and they should never give up fighting for their rights. Recently, on the news, Florida has banned tuition to students, born in the United States, with illegal immigrants. Is that fair? The Constitution itself states that any person born on the soil of the US is a citizen. Then, why is that being disputed. Me being a minority myself, I fully support my customs, culture, and religion and I will always fight for my rights as well as others. This is the only thing we can do to make America the ideal nation for all.
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