What is a person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to its protection?

A person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to its protection is accurately defined as a citizen. Citizenship involves the recognition by a government of an individual's rights and privileges within a state, as well as the individual's obligation to comply with its laws. Citizens typically enjoy a range of rights, including the right to vote, the right to work, and access to social services, and they are protected by the laws of their country.

In contrast, while a resident refers to someone living in a particular place, it does not necessarily imply that individual has formal ties to that government or the associated legal protections. A civilian generally describes individuals not in the military or police services; thus, it does not capture the legal allegiance aspect. A national typically denotes someone who possesses a national identity, which might not always include the legal rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship. Therefore, the most comprehensive definition for someone in allegiance to a government and entitled to its protection is indeed a citizen.