What are the two ways to become an American citizen?

The correct answer identifies the two primary pathways to American citizenship: birthright citizenship and naturalization.

Being born in America grants citizenship automatically under the principle of jus soli, which means that anyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen, regardless of their parents' nationality or immigration status. This is outlined in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Naturalization, on the other hand, is the legal process by which a non-citizen can acquire citizenship after meeting specific criteria set by the United States. This includes requirements such as residing in the U.S. for a certain number of years, demonstrating good moral character, showing proficiency in English, and passing a civics test.

The other options do not accurately represent the established methods for obtaining U.S. citizenship, highlighting that serving in the military or marrying a citizen can have implications for legal status but are not direct paths to citizenship themselves.