EN
The article focuses on the essence of the institution of citizenship by describing its elements which are of constitutive character. It first reviews multiplicity of meanings and applications of this institution and its legal definitions. The author claims that from the legal point of view the relation created by the institution of citizenship is twofold: intrastate, but also legal and international. Therefore, the characteristics of citizenship have to take into consideration this dual character. In the final section she discusses which rights and responsibilities are vital element of institution of citizenship.