> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nationalism.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nationalism.io/civic-nationalism/understanding-civic-nationalism.md).

# Understanding civic nationalism

## **What is civic nationalism?**

Civic nationalism is a form of nationalism based on shared citizenship, political values, laws and institutions. In this view, belonging to the nation comes from a person’s commitment to the state and its principles rather than their ancestral or cultural background.

A civic nation is usually built around ideas such as constitutional government, equal citizenship, rule of law, individual rights and participation in public life. People from different backgrounds can belong to the same civic nation if they accept and support its shared political framework.

## **Goal of civic nationalism**

The goal of civic nationalism is to build and maintain a unified political community based on shared citizenship, equal rights and loyalty to common laws and institutions.

Anyone from any ancestral background or culture could become a member of a civic nation-state, provided they accept the country’s laws and civic values. Civic nationalism often aims to create unity among diverse populations by focusing on what citizens share politically rather than what separates them culturally or ethnically.

## Key features of civic nationalism

* **Inclusive in principle** — Civic nationalism allows people from any ancestral, racial, linguistic or religious background to become members of the nation, provided they accept the shared political framework. This makes civic nationalism more open to outsiders, immigrants and minority groups than forms of nationalism based mainly on ancestry.
* **Flexible national identity and culture** — Because membership is based on citizenship and shared political values rather than inherited identity, the nation’s identity and culture can change over time. As new groups join the political community, they may influence the country’s culture, public values and sense of national identity.

## **Citizenship**

Citizenship can be given to people who accept the state’s laws, institutions and shared political values.

This may include people born in the country, immigrants who naturalise, or long-term residents who meet legal requirements. In civic nationalism, citizenship is usually seen as something that can be acquired through commitment, participation and legal membership rather than inherited identity alone.

## **Voting power**

Voting power is given equally to all citizens.

In a civic nationalist system, each citizen normally has the same political status regardless of ancestry or cultural background. The principle is that all citizens are equal members of the political community.

## **Representation**

Representation is based on citizenship. Anyone can become a representative regardless of ancestry.

Political office is usually open to all citizens who meet the legal requirements, such as age, residency or electoral rules. The legitimacy of representatives comes from the support of citizens rather than from belonging to a particular ancestral group.