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Sovereign vs. Citizen

Sovereign vs. Citizen
US Capital Private Bank Knowledge Base

Introduction
In the legal, political, and spiritual realm, the terms "sovereign" and "citizen" carry vastly different meanings, implications, and consequences. While commonly used interchangeably in modern discourse, they reflect opposing statuses about government, jurisdiction, and personal liberty.

This knowledge base entry explains the legal and historical differences between a sovereign and a citizen, drawing from constitutional law, trust structures, divine law, and established legal precedent, including resources from SEDM.org, older editions of Black's Law Dictionary, and case law recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court.

1. Definition of Sovereign

A sovereign is an individual who retains full personal autonomy and does not subject themselves voluntarily to any external authority without consent. Sovereignty originates with the Creator, and under Divine Law, each man and woman is a free moral agent endowed with unalienable rights.

"Sovereignty itself is, of course, not subject to law, for it is the author and source of law..."
— Yick Wo v. Hopkins, 118 U.S. 356 (1886)

Key Characteristics:

  • Not a subject or ward of the state

  • Not bound by political franchises unless consent is given

  • Does not swear oaths to subordinate sovereignties

  • Exists in private capacity under the Divine Law Trust

  • Maintains allodial title to their person and property

2. Definition of Citizen

A citizen, according to constitutional and statutory definitions, is a legal fiction created by the state and subject to its laws. This includes obligations, duties, and privileges granted or limited by civil government. Citizenship involves a surrender of certain natural rights in exchange for state-provided privileges.

"The term 'citizen' in the United States is defined in a political context as a member of the body politic owing allegiance to the state."
— Black's Law Dictionary, 6th Ed.

Key Characteristics:

  • Subject to state and federal jurisdiction

  • May be liable for income taxes, licensing, military service, etc.

  • Enjoys privileges rather than unalienable rights

  • Often enters civil contracts with the government (e.g., Social Security, voting, driver’s license)

  • Legally domiciled within the federal zone or voluntarily consents to it

3. Capitis Diminutio and Status Shifts

The legal doctrine of Capitis Diminutio outlines the degradation of status in Roman law. There are three recognized forms:

  • Capitis Diminutio Maxima – Complete loss of status, liberty, and civil rights. Occurs when a sovereign voluntarily becomes a citizen through consent, contracts, or registration.

  • Capitis Diminutio Media – Loss of citizenship, but not liberty.

  • Capitis Diminutio Minima – Change in family affiliation, e.g., through marriage.

These terms are often reflected in ALL-CAPS NAME formats, signifying a legal fiction or straw man entity representing the human being in corporate or statutory settings.

See also: "What is the Straw Man?" [Knowledge Base Article]

4. Biblical and Trust Law Implications

From a Divine Law perspective, only God can create life and law. Civil government is subordinate to this authority. Sovereigns operate under the Divine Law Trust and maintain direct accountability to the Creator—not to man-made legal systems.

"Ye were bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." — 1 Corinthians 7:23

Trust law also reflects this hierarchy:

  • God (Grantor)

  • Man (Trustee/Beneficiary)

  • State (Public Servant/Administrator)

Citizenship inverts this natural hierarchy, placing man as servant to the state.

5. Why It Matters

Understanding the distinction between sovereign and citizen determines your standing, your jurisdiction, and your legal liabilities. For example:

  • A sovereign is not subject to Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code.

  • A citizen is liable for income taxes and is treated as a corporate entity.

  • A sovereign may not be compelled to perform under civil contract law unless consent is granted.

Conclusion

The choice between operating as a sovereign or a citizen is one of the most important decisions a person can make. It affects every legal, financial, and spiritual aspect of life. At US Capital Private Bank, our Divine Law Trust structure ensures that sovereignty is respected and protected, and we encourage clients to reclaim their standing and operate under natural law.

Learn More:

  • Visit SEDM.org for in-depth legal research

  • Review "Treatise on Government" by Joel Tiffany (1867)

  • Study IRS authority limitations: famguardian.org

Contact US Capital Private Bank

US Capital Private Bank operates under a Divine Law Trust structure.

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