Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?

In the United States, the Constitution and federal laws reserve key political rights for people who are legally U.S. citizens. This includes choosing national leaders, holding certain federal jobs, and taking part in the justice system through jury service. Non-citizens may have some local or state rights, but these core roles are tied to citizenship.

In the United States, these rights and responsibilities are generally tied to citizenship. Many noncitizens can live and work here, but they usually cannot vote in federal elections or serve on juries, and most federal offices require U.S. citizenship.

Only people who are U.S. citizens have these full political rights and responsibilities at the national level. Permanent residents and others can live and work in the country, but they generally cannot vote in federal elections or serve on federal juries. Citizenship connects people to participation in government and to civic duties.