The Supreme Court directly addressed the citizenship question in one of the most significant cases in American jurisprudence — and explicitly recognized TWO distinct types of citizenship.
The Slaughterhouse Cases
"It is quite clear, then, that there is a citizenship of the United States, and a citizenship of a State, which are distinct from each other, and which depend upon different characteristics or circumstances in the individual." — Slaughter-House Cases, 83 U.S. 36 (1873)
- Existed before the 14th Amendment
- Citizen "of" a state (Virginia, etc.)
- Primary citizenship originally
- Subject to state laws and jurisdiction
- Protected by Article IV privileges
- Created by the 14th Amendment
- Citizen of the federal government
- Subject to federal statutory jurisdiction
- 14th Amendment privileges (narrower)
- Includes D.C., territories, naturalized
The 14th Amendment
Note the phrase: "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof." This qualifier suggests that not everyone born on American soil is automatically a 14th Amendment citizen — only those subject to the jurisdiction.
Originally intended to exclude:
- Children of foreign diplomats born on U.S. soil
- Children born to invading armies
- Native Americans not subject to U.S. jurisdiction
Some argue that people not "subject to the jurisdiction" — meaning those who haven't consented to that jurisdiction — are not 14th Amendment citizens by default. What evidence of your consent exists?
Historical Timeline
Citizens were "citizens of [State name]" — Virginians, New Yorkers. Limited federal relationship with individuals.
"Citizenship of the United States" created as distinct status, primarily to grant citizenship to freed slaves.
D.C. reorganized as municipal corporation, establishing federal administrative governance.
Supreme Court explicitly confirms two distinct citizenships with different rights and protections.
Jurisdiction and Law Application
The type of citizenship affects which laws apply:
| Citizenship Type | Primary Jurisdiction | Law Type |
|---|---|---|
| State Citizen | State courts, common law | Common law, equity, state constitution |
| Citizen of the United States | Federal administrative courts | Federal statutes, regulations, administrative law |
Through what acts have you claimed or accepted "citizen of the United States" status? Registering to vote? Filing federal tax returns? Obtaining a Social Security Number? Each may be evidence of voluntary acceptance of that status — and the jurisdiction that comes with it.
Connection to Agreements
This connects to the Foundation concepts:
You may have claimed federal citizenship without realizing the implications.
Each time you check "U.S. Citizen" on a form, you affirm that status.
The citizenship contract operates in the background.
Evidence of Federal Citizenship
- Social Security application
- Voter registration
- Federal tax filing (self-identification as "U.S. person")
- Passport application
- Benefits applications
- Checking "U.S. Citizen" on any form
Warnings
Attempting to renounce or disclaim federal citizenship has serious consequences:
- Loss of voting rights
- Inability to hold U.S. passport
- Ineligibility for federal benefits
- Potential criminal prosecution if done improperly
- Social and professional consequences
- Courts generally reject citizenship-based defenses
This information is for understanding, not for attempting to escape obligations. The value is in seeing the framework clearly, not in making declarations that courts won't recognize.
Identity Domain Complete
You now understand the identity framework:
- Person and Individual — Definitions that differ
- Private vs. Public — Two realms
- The Name — Naming conventions
- Citizenship — Which laws apply (this page)
- Commerce — How identity affects transactions
- Conscious vs. Unconscious — How status forms
- Covert Contracts — Hidden agreements
You now understand who "you" might be in the legal system — and it's not as simple as you thought. This awareness changes how you read documents, how you sign, and how you understand the agreements you may have entered.