Final answer:
Citizens are granted rights to ensure political, social, and economic equality as part of the social contract between the government and its people. These rights are safeguarded by the Constitution, as seen in the 14th Amendment, and are broader than the rights given to permanent residents. Citizenship allows individuals full participation in the nation's democratic processes and access to specific social benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Citizens are granted rights as a crucial aspect of the social contract between a government and its people. John Locke, a philosopher, argued that the formation of government is primarily to protect the rights of its citizens. These rights, often termed civil rights, include political, social, and economic equality.
In the United States, citizenship can be acquired by birth or through a process known as naturalization. As part of this process, individuals gain access to important opportunities of U.S. Citizenship that are not afforded to non-citizens, such as the right to vote, hold public office, and receive certain social benefits.
It is also important to note that permanent residents enjoy certain legal rights and protections but lack the full privileges of citizenship. Citizenship entails responsibilities and a broader range of rights, serving not just the individual, but helping the nation to grow and improve as well. For example, the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides a broad view of citizenship and equal protection under the law, reinforcing the idea that citizens should not be denied their rights without due process.