Which word describes responsible, contributing members of a country or a colony?

• A. Voters
• B. Citizens
• C. Residents
• D. Immigrants

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is what word names people who are recognized as full members of a country with rights and responsibilities. Citizens are those who belong to the political community, share in its governance, and are expected to contribute to its well-being. They have duties like obeying laws and paying taxes, and they can participate in civic life, such as voting and serving on juries when eligible.

Voters describe someone who has the right to vote, which is about a specific activity, not the broader idea of belonging and contributing as a member of the country. Residents simply live in a place, but that doesn’t automatically grant political rights or responsibilities. Immigrants are people who move to a country, and while they may become citizens in the future, they are not necessarily citizens yet.

So, the word that best fits “responsible, contributing members of a country or colony” is citizens.