1. American Citizenship

2. Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

3. A citizen… Owes allegiance to a government.
Is entitled to government protection in exchange for their allegiance (contract).
Has certain rights and responsibilities.
Citizenship is a social contract, the citizen owes loyalty and duty, the government owes protection of rights.

4. Naturalized Citizenship
Becoming a Citizen
Naturalized Citizenship
Native Citizenship
People born in other countries must go through a “naturalization process” to become a citizen of the U.S.
18 years old
Lawful, permanent resident of the U.S. for 5 years (3 is married to a citizen)
Swear loyalty to the U.S.
Have good moral character
Be able to read, write, and speak english
Be knowledgeable of U.S. history and government
If you are born in a country you are native to that country.
Babies born in America are automatically citizens, this is native citizenship.
Children born in other countries to American parents can also be citizens if their parents choose.
Naturalized citizens must take a test and complete an interview in order to pass the naturalization process.

5. Citizenship Test (example questions)
What do the stripes on the flag mean?
What do the stars on the flag mean?
What country did the U.S. fight during the Revolutionary War?
Who was the first President of the U.S.?
How many branches are there in our government?
What do we call a change to our Constitution?
Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
Who helped the Pilgrims in America?
What ship did the Pilgrims sail on?
What were the original 13 states?

6. Membership in a Society
Citizens are members of a society, a community bound by common interests and standards. Citizens must obey the laws of the society to ensure those common interests and standards are met. Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship and government.

7. Government and Society
Government is the organization that establishes and executes the policies (laws and rules) used by members of a society.

8. What Government Does
Security. Government’s first job is to protect people’s natural rights. It is the government’s half of the social contract.
Government protects you from…
Other countries (through the military)
Other people (through the police)
Business (regulations on food, workers)
Yourself (seatbelt laws, drug laws)

9. 2. Law and Order. Government makes laws and enforces those laws in order to maintain peace in society. Without law and order there is anarchy. 3. Public Services. Government privides services to help society run smoothly and safely. Such as trash collection, mail, water purification, firefighters, police 4. Maintain Institutions. Government establishes and runs many different services such as jails, courts, hospitals, and schools.

10. Intro to Types of Government
Monarchy
Dictatorship
A single person is the ruler
The right to rule is passed down
Rules for life
The right to rule comes from God
Ruler may have absolute power or limited power
Kings, Queens, Emperors
Ruler has absolute and unlimited power
Dictators make laws, determine how laws are enforced, and decide punishments
Many dictators gain power through violent coups
Democracy
Citizens control government by voting
Values the equality of all people
Government is limited in power

11. The American Dream
Because you live in America, you have the opportunity to see your dreams come true. No dreams are guaranteed, but you have the right to pursue your dreams.

12. Diversity in America America is a country made up of immigrants
The population is becoming more diverse
E Pluribus Unum “From Many, One.”
The Melting Pot
People from different countries blend into one American culture
The Salad Bowl
People from different countries mix together but do not give up own culture to be part of the American culture

13. Census 2000 – Racial Diversity in America
Note – Hispanics may be of any race. Hispanics make up of the total population

14. Certain basic human rights are guaranteed by our government
American Values
Equality
All citizens are treated equally by government
2. Freedom
Certain basic human rights are guaranteed by our government
3. Justice
Laws are applied fairly and equally to everyone

15. Equality Equality is an ideal that we try to achieve
“all men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence 1776
Meant white men only
Women, African Americans, and Native Americans did not have equal rights
Today we are truly much more equal
Except…
Money and wealth? Homosexuality? Women?

16. Freedom
Declaration of Independence 1776 was written to declare the U.S. a free country
The U.S. was built on Natural Rights theory
Means that people rights come from God, not government
Because they come from God they are inalienable, which means they cannot be taken away
The Top Freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, petition

17. Justice
No person can be punished for a crime unless government follows certain rules and procedures
People have a right to:
A speedy trial, an attorney, confront witnesses, a jury
Protection from cruel and unusual punishment

18. Striving Towards an Ideal
In the real world we do not find perfect equality, freedom, and justice
Our ideals are our goals
To achieve these goals all citizens must work to fulfill their duties and responsibilities
“America will lead by defending liberty and justice, because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere.”
G. W. Bush

19. Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens
As an American Citizen you enjoy many rights, however, to keep those rights you must fulfill your duties as well as your responsibilities. Duties are required by law Responsibilities are implied by the social contract.

20. Duties of Citizens
Obeying the laws. Citizens must uphold their end of the contract, if they break the law they lose their rights.
Defending the Nation. The military protects our country’s freedom and rights, we have a volunteer military.

21. 3. Paying Taxes. Government needs tax money in order to provide services and exist at all. 4. Jury Duty. People accused of crimes need fair and responsible jurors. 5. Attending School. Educated citizens are productive and responsible citizens for the whole country.

22. Responsibilities of Citizens
Respecting the Rights of others. Your Personal rights are balanced against the rights of others and the good of the community as a whole.
2. Voting. Voting is how people hold government accountable. Your vote is your voice.

23. 3. Helping to make society better
3. Helping to make society better. Citizens have a responsibility to help make the community better. This can be by volunteering, donating to charity, tutoring, being a hardworking student and employee, and putting the common good before personal interests.