RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES Everyone living in the United States is responsible for following the "rule of law." This means that everyone living in the United States must obey the law.
For example, it is the law that everyone living in the United States must pay income taxes. The law says that each year, people are required to send in a federal income tax form to the U.S. government. The last day that people can send in their federal income tax forms is April 15.
Another responsibility for men who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents is to register for the Selective Service. All men who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and between the age of 18 and 26 must register for the Selective Service.
Voting booth in Atascadero, California, in 2008. Photo by Ace Armstrong. Courtesy of the Polling Place Photo Project.
In the United States, voting in federal elections is a right and a responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens. Participating in federal elections is how U.S. citizens vote for U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators, and the President.
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote in federal elections. These amendments say:
⚫ citizens 18 and older (can vote).
• you don't have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
⚫ any citizen can vote (women and men can vote).
⚫ a male citizen of any race (can vote).
Currently, U.S. citizens 18 and older can vote in federal elections.
Uniform patches and identification plates from branches of the U.S. military.
Voting Rights Timeline The following bullets identify the Amendments and dates that correspond with each answer choice from Q48 in the text:
• 26th Amendment (1971)
• 24th Amendment (1964) ⚫ 19th Amendment (1920)
• 15th Amendment (1870)
Other potential dates that address the expansion of voting rights include: