OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

A citizen is a person who belongs to a country. If you were born in the United States, you are a US citizen. People born in other countries can become US citizens too. This is called naturalization. About 900,000 people become new US citizens every year! Citizens have special duties, like following laws and helping their community.

Citizens have important jobs to do. When citizens grow up, they can vote to pick their leaders. They can also serve on a jury, which is a group of people who help decide if someone broke a law. Many students say the Pledge of Allegiance at school each morning. A man named Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. Good citizens also help their neighbors, follow the rules, and take care of their community.

• About 900,000 people become new US citizens each year by taking a special test and making a promise called the Oath of Allegiance.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, and students have been saying it in schools for over 130 years.
• Citizens who are 18 or older can vote, and in the 2020 US election, about 155 million people voted.