# Discuss citizen rights and duties

Part of the First Class guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/first-class/guide/index.md)

*9. Citizenship*

> **9a.** Visit and discuss with a selected individual approved by your leader (for example, an elected official, judge, attorney, civil servant, principal, or teacher) the constitutional rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen.

Good citizenship is one of the three primary aims of Scouting. In Requirement 9a, you will arrange a personal interview with an approved civic leader, educator, legal professional, or public official to explore what it means to possess constitutional rights and uphold the obligations of United States citizenship.

## Selecting and Getting Approval for Your Interviewee

Before reaching out, obtain **approval from your Scoutmaster or designated adult leader**. Suitable individuals include:
- **Elected Officials**: City council member, mayor, county commissioner, state representative, or school board trustee.
- **Legal Professionals**: A judge, prosecuting attorney, public defender, or private practicing lawyer.
- **Civil Servants & Public Safety**: A police officer, firefighter, city manager, urban planner, or civil service administrator.
- **Educators**: A school principal, civics/history teacher, or school administrator.

> **Safety First!**
>
> When conducting the interview, ensure you adhere to Scouting's **Two-Deep Youth Protection guidelines**: bring a parent, guardian, or fellow Scout with you to the meeting.

## Core Concepts: Rights vs. Obligations

Prepare for your conversation by reviewing the foundational rights and duties of American citizens:

### Constitutional Rights (What the Constitution Guarantees to You)
The **Bill of Rights** and subsequent Constitutional amendments guarantee fundamental liberties:
- **The First Amendment**: Freedoms of speech, religion, the press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
- **Due Process & Fair Trials (4th, 5th, 6th, 8th Amendments)**: Protection against unreasonable searches, the right to remain silent, protection against double jeopardy, the right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury, access to legal counsel, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.
- **Equal Protection (14th Amendment)**: Guarantees that every person, regardless of race, background, or identity, receives equal treatment and protection under the law.
- **The Right to Vote (15th, 19th, 24th, 26th Amendments)**: The democratic right of eligible citizens aged 18 and older to choose their leaders without poll taxes or discrimination.

### Civic Obligations and Responsibilities (What You Owe to Your Nation)
Rights cannot survive without active, responsible citizens. Obligations are divided into legal requirements and civic responsibilities:

1. **Mandatory Legal Obligations**:
   - **Obeying the Law**: Respecting federal, state, and local ordinances that keep communities safe and orderly.
   - **Paying Taxes**: Contributing through income, property, and sales taxes to fund public roads, schools, emergency services, and defense.
   - **Jury Duty**: Serving on a jury when summoned to guarantee a fair trial for fellow citizens.
   - **Selective Service**: Registering with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18 (for male citizens).
   - **Testifying in Court**: Answering subpoenas to provide truthful evidence in legal proceedings.
2. **Voluntary Civic Responsibilities**:
   - **Voting**: Exercising the right to vote in local, state, and national elections.
   - **Staying Informed**: Reading reliable news, understanding local community issues, and holding elected officials accountable.
   - **Community Service**: Volunteering time and energy to uplift neighborhood organizations and help those in need.

## High-Yield Interview Questions

Bring a notebook with prepared questions to guide your discussion:
1. *"In your daily work, how do you see the U.S. Constitution or local laws protecting ordinary citizens?"*
2. *"What do you believe is the single most important obligation of a citizen today?"*
3. *"How can young people who aren't old enough to vote yet still make a meaningful impact on our community?"*
4. *"Have you ever encountered a situation where one person's constitutional rights conflicted with community safety or someone else's rights? How was it resolved?"*
5. *"What advice would you give to Scouts who want to become responsible civic leaders?"*

> **Tip**
>
> After your interview, write a brief thank-you note to the person for their time, and summarize the key insights you learned before meeting with your Scoutmaster.

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