Final answer:
A citizen is an official member of a nation, possessing certain legal rights and responsibilities, which differ from those of permanent residents. Citizenship enables full political participation and is enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A citizen is an official member of a nation, either by being born within its jurisdiction or by going through the process of naturalization. Citizens are entitled to certain legal rights and are obligated to obey the laws and fulfill specific duties. Being a citizen is different from being a permanent resident, who also has certain rights but cannot participate in certain political processes, such as voting or holding public office. With citizenship comes the responsibility and the privilege to engage at various levels of political participation, as highlighted by the former U.S. Ambassador, Walter Annenberg, and protected under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.