What defines a citizen in a political context?

A citizen in a political context is primarily defined as a member of the political community. This definition encompasses individuals who have rights and responsibilities within a specific political system, typically a nation or state. Being a citizen involves participation in the civic life of that community, which can include voting, serving on juries, and engaging in public discourse.

This definition emphasizes the connection to collective governance and the social contract that binds individuals to their society. Citizens typically have legal recognition and protections under the law, which distinguishes them from non-citizens or residents who may lack full rights in that political community.

In contrast, defining a citizen as a government employee encompasses only a specific subset of the population and does not illustrate the broader scope of civic engagement and rights. The notion of a citizen as someone living without rights incorrectly assumes that citizenship can occur without the associated rights and responsibilities. Lastly, a temporary resident is often someone who does not have full member status or rights within the political community, which again does not fulfill the criteria for citizenship.