Citizenship Introduction Notes

What is Civics? Civics- the study of the rights and duties of citizens Citizenship dates back more than 2,500 years ago to Ancient Greece and Rome Citizenship has historically been limited to men who own property

How do you become a U.S. Citizen? Citizen by birth If you are born in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, you are automatically a citizen. The same applies if you are born in an American territory, such as Puerto Rico or Guam, or on a U.S. military base overseas.

Naturalization Vocabulary Immigrant A person who moves from one country to another country legally. They U.S. only accepts around 500,000 legal immigrants each year. Alien A person from a foreign country who lives in the United States legally. They come to work, study, or visit… but will eventually return home. Illegal Alien A person from a foreign country who is living in the United States without going through the proper legal process. If is estimated that over 12 million people illegally reside in the United States. Refugee A person who is forced from their home country because of war, persecution, etc.

Naturalization Process (Steps) 1. Sign a Declaration of Intention Filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 2. Live in the United States for at least 5 years Aliens married to citizens only wait 3 years. 3. Interview and Examination Process USCIS official completes interview to check requirements and moral character.

Naturalization Steps Continued 4. U.S. Citizenship Exam Contains questions about reading, writing, and speaking English Basic United States history, culture, and government 5. Oath of Allegiance Once application is granted, the alien attends a ceremony, recites the oath, and signs document accepting citizenship If they have children under the age of 18, they automatically become naturalized too.

Losing Your Citizenship There are only three ways to have your citizenship taken/given away Denaturalization Citizenship (application) is revoked because of false information provided, or improper process Expatriation Citizenship is given up, usually in order to gain citizenship in another nation Punishment Serious crimes against the government (treason, rebellion, violent overthrow of gov’t)

The “Great American Melting Pot”? “Melting Pot” Theory All the different culture in the United States blend together to form one large culture “Salad” Theory Each culture of the United States keeps its characteristics, but joins to form one culture Diversity The presence of different races, cultures, genders, ages, religions, ethnic groups, and opinions in one population

What does the GOVERNMENT do? Keep order Pass and enforce laws, establish courts Provide Security Prevent crimes, protect citizens from foreign attacks Provide Services Provide libraries, schools, hospitals, parks, water, utilities Guide the Community Manage the economy, conduct foreign relations

What do CITIZENS do? Duties (Something you must do, by law) Serving on a jury Obeying laws Paying taxes Responsibilities (Something you should do) Volunteer/charity work Voting /Running for office Stay informed