What is a citizen?
A simplistic definition of a citizen is an individual who legally belongs to a country, either by birth or neutralization and is therefore invested with the rights, responsibilities and protection of that country.
Citizenship in the UK: citizens or subjects?
The ideas of Citizenship and citizens becomes more complex in Britain because Britain is a democracy but also has a monarch. Individuals who are part of a democracy have an influence and say in how they are governed, consequently they are citizens. However under monarch control individuals are seen as subjects who own allegiance to the monarchy or state. Thus British citizens can be theoretically considered as subjects rather than citizens.
However hundreds of years ago the UK became a constitutional monarchy which is a form of government which is headed by the King or Queen. In a constitutional monarchy an elected Parliament, not the monarchy, have the power to make and pass legislation. Thus can be considered a democracy as individuals are invested with rights such as having a say in how they are governed.
Therefore while theoretically British citizens are subjects of the Queen in practice they are considered citizens as they have rights and democratic powers.
However hundreds of years ago the UK became a constitutional monarchy which is a form of government which is headed by the King or Queen. In a constitutional monarchy an elected Parliament, not the monarchy, have the power to make and pass legislation. Thus can be considered a democracy as individuals are invested with rights such as having a say in how they are governed.
Therefore while theoretically British citizens are subjects of the Queen in practice they are considered citizens as they have rights and democratic powers.
Nature of modern Citizenship encompasses two broad notions:
- Legally belonging to a particular nation through nationality.
- Active Citizenship whereby citizens not only legally belong to a state but also actively participate in society.
Rights and Responsibilities.
Together with rights citizens also have responsibilities to the country they belong to. For instance:
- Paying taxes
- Voting in elections
- Obeying the law
- Doing jury Service
- Respecting the rights of other citizens
- Active Citizenship
Views of Citizenship
There are two main views on citizenship: individualist and communitarian. Individualist viewpoint of citizenship takes a micro focus on the issue emphasising individuals. While on the other hand communitarian perceive citizenship from a macro perspective concerning society.
Is there Agreement about what 'being British' mean?
Nature of British Citizenship
There are currently 6 different categories of British Nationality, as exemplified below:
How to become a British Citizen?
An individual can become a British citizen in a number of ways.
The most common method of becoming a British citizen is through 'naturalisation'. Naturalisation can be define as a legal process where individuals legally apply to become a citizen of a nation and thereby enjoy the same rights and privileges as a an individual who has obtained citizenship in that country through a birth right. In the UK, applicant for British citizenship, aged 18 to 65, must pass the 'Life in the UK test' (75% is the pass mark). The test which assesses the applicant knowledge of British traditions and customs is based on the 'Life in the United Kingdom' Handbook. The test costs £50 and requires applicant to complete 24 multiple choice questions in 45 minutes.
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If an individual's citizenship application is successful they will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, which celebratory occasion of gaining citizenship. Applicants MUST attend the ceremony if they are present in the UK. During the ceremony applicants are obligated to swear or affirm an 'oath of allegiance' and make a pledge of commitment, only after which they will be presented with a citizenship certificate. The ceremony concludes with the new citizens reciting the national anthem, God save the Queen.
The United Kingdom and its constituent part
UNITED KINGDOM?
ENGLAND? GREAT BRITAIN? The video on the right explains the differences between the UK, England and Great Britain. |
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The diagram below illustrates how the United Kingdom was formed.