Question 49 of 100 · 2008 civics test
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
From the 100-question list, the version for applications filed before October 20, 2025.
On the 65/20 list: one of the 20 questions for applicants 65 or older with 20 years as permanent residents.
Accepted answers
- serve on a jury
- vote in a federal election
Any one of these is accepted, unless the question asks for more than one.
Why this is the answer
Two responsibilities belong to citizens alone: serving on a jury and voting in federal elections. Either one answers the question. The jury duty half follows from a right in the Constitution, the right to a trial by jury: the jury is made up of citizens, and their participation is what makes a fair trial possible. The voting half is different in one respect worth knowing, because the law does not require anyone to vote. It is called a responsibility rather than an obligation, since a democracy only works if citizens choose leaders who will carry their interests. Memory hook: jury and federal voting are the two things nobody but a citizen can do for the country.