What is one right only for United States citizens?

The right to vote is a privilege that is exclusively reserved for United States citizens. This right is fundamental to the democratic process, allowing citizens to participate in selecting their leaders and influencing legislation. Voting is a critical element of civic responsibility, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.

While freedoms like speech, assembly, and the right to bear arms are also important, they are rights that can be granted to non-citizens in certain contexts or scopes. For example, residents and visitors may enjoy freedom of speech and assembly under the First Amendment. However, the right to vote in federal elections is strictly limited to citizens, reinforcing the distinctive role citizenship plays in the governance of the country. This distinction illustrates the unique responsibilities and roles that accompany citizenship in the democratic system of the United States.