Citizenship · Civics Vocabulary

Read this sentence: 'A right is something that the government cannot take from you.' Which of the following is true about rights?

Correct answer

Rights are protections (such as freedom of speech, religion, etc.) that are guaranteed under the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights

  1. A Rights belong only to elected officials
  2. B Rights are protections (such as freedom of speech, religion, etc.) that are guaranteed under the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights
  3. C Rights are paid privileges only available to wealthy people
  4. D Rights expire after one year

Why this is the answer

RIGHTS is on the USCIS CIVICS VOCABULARY list. Rights are FREEDOMS and PROTECTIONS guaranteed to people under the U.S. Constitution, particularly the BILL OF RIGHTS (the first 10 amendments). Important rights include: FREEDOM OF SPEECH (1st Amendment); FREEDOM OF RELIGION (1st Amendment); FREEDOM OF THE PRESS (1st Amendment); RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE PEACEFULLY (1st Amendment); RIGHT TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT (1st Amendment); RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS (2nd Amendment); RIGHT AGAINST UNREASONABLE SEARCHES (4th Amendment); RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS (5th & 14th Amendments); RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL (6th Amendment); RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT (5th Amendment, Miranda rights); RIGHT TO VOTE (multiple amendments expanded who could vote). Sample reading test sentences: 'A right is something the government cannot take.' 'The Bill of Rights has rights.' 'People have rights.' RIGHTS apply: (1) to all PERSONS in the U.S. (citizens and non-citizens) for most rights; (2) some rights are ONLY for citizens (voting in federal elections, jury duty, running for federal office). The phrase 'inalienable rights' from the Declaration of Independence reflects the foundational American idea that human rights come from God or nature, not from government, and cannot be taken away.
Source: USCIS Reading Vocabulary — Civics: right