US Citizenship Test 2026

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Civic Duties and Responsibilities of a US Citizen

By David N. Smith, TGM, Athens, Greece

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026

Short answer: US citizens have a few legal duties (obey the law, pay taxes, serve on a jury when summoned, and, for men, register with the Selective Service) and many voluntary responsibilities, such as voting, staying informed and volunteering. Duties are enforced by law. Responsibilities are expectations that strengthen the community.

People often use "civic duty" and "civic responsibility" as if they meant the same thing. Political scientists and the law treat them differently, and the difference matters for anyone preparing for the citizenship test or thinking about life as a citizen. This guide separates what you must do from what you are encouraged to do.

Three levels of civic life

LevelMeaningEnforced by law?Examples
Civic dutyObligations written into lawYesPaying taxes, jury service, obeying laws, Selective Service
Civic responsibilityVoluntary actions that support the communityNoVoting, staying informed, volunteering, respecting others' rights
Civic engagementActive work on shared problemsNoJoining a school board, organizing neighbors, running for office

Legal duties

Obey federal, state and local laws

Every person in the United States must follow the law. For new citizens, there is a particular benefit: unlike a permanent resident, a citizen generally cannot lose citizenship because of a later crime. Naturalized citizenship can be revoked only in rare cases tied to fraud or illegal procurement during the application (8 U.S.C. § 1451).

Pay taxes

Citizens must file US tax returns and pay taxes on income from all sources, including income earned abroad. Citizens living overseas also have to report foreign financial accounts above certain thresholds (the FBAR and, for some taxpayers, FATCA reporting). Unpaid taxes can also count against you in a naturalization application, which is why they appear in the requirements guide. Ask a tax professional about your situation.

Serve on a jury

Only US citizens can serve on juries. If you are summoned, you must respond. Under federal law (28 U.S.C. § 1865), a juror generally must be a citizen, at least 18, a resident of the court's district for a year, able to read, write and understand English well enough to complete the juror form, and free of certain felony charges or convictions. Judges can excuse people for hardship, such as serious illness or caring for a young child, but ignoring a summons can lead to fines or other penalties.

Jury service is one of the "responsibilities only for citizens" that the civics test refers to.

Register with the Selective Service (men)

Almost all male US citizens and male immigrants between 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18. Registration is not a decision to join the military. It records names in case Congress ever reinstates a draft, and there is no draft today. Failing to register can affect eligibility for federal student aid, some government jobs and, for applicants, citizenship. Registration is quick and free at sss.gov, and many states register young men automatically through the driver's license process.

Keep your promises from the Oath of Allegiance

Naturalized citizens promise to support and defend the Constitution and laws, to bear true allegiance to the United States, and, when required by law, to serve in the military or do work of national importance. These are legal commitments, not daily tasks. Read the full text and meaning of the oath.

Voluntary responsibilities

Citizens are not legally required to do the following, but a healthy democracy depends on them.

  • Vote. Voting is not mandatory in the United States, but it is the clearest way to take part. See the voting guide.
  • Stay informed. Follow local and national news from several reliable sources, read your sample ballot, and check facts before sharing.
  • Respect the rights of others. The First Amendment protects speech and religion even when you disagree. A citizen is expected to tolerate views they dislike, within the law.
  • Take part in your community. Attend town meetings, join a parent-teacher group, volunteer at a food bank or help someone register to vote.
  • Consider public service. Run for a local board, work at the polls, or serve in the armed forces if you choose.

Does a citizen have to give up their old nationality?

The oath uses strong language about renouncing allegiance to other countries, but US policy lets you keep a second nationality. Whether you can keep it depends on the other country's law. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship. Check before you naturalize.

How this connects to the citizenship test

The civics test asks about rights and responsibilities. For example, it may ask for one responsibility that is only for United States citizens (the accepted answers are serving on a jury and voting in a federal election), or for promises that new citizens make in the oath. Practice these on our all-questions page or take a timed mock test.

Frequently asked questions

  • A civic duty is a legal requirement, such as paying taxes or responding to a jury summons. A civic responsibility is voluntary, such as voting or volunteering. Civic engagement goes a step further, by actively working on community problems.

Sources and further reading

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.