Vocabulary Preview Election Volunteer Vote Citizen Duty Responsibility

An Overview of U.S. Government Civics Central Middle School Mr. Collins CE 2a-d Chapter 1 Section 1 CE.6b

What is Civics? The study of the rights and duties of citizens Rights are things that citizens are entitled to Duties are things that citizens are required to do Responsibilities are things that good citizens should do

Levels of Government National Government – has the highest authority State Government – next highest authority Local Government – least authority

Fundamental Principles of Government

Important Political Principles Democracy – form of government in which the people rule Representative Government – the people elect representatives to rule

Important Political Principles (continued) Rule of Law – All people are bound by the law Limited government – Government may only do the things that the people have given it the power to do. NOT all powerful Consent of the governed – All governmental power comes from the people

How to Become a U.S. Citizen

What is a Citizen? An individual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government

CE.3a Guiding Question: How does an individual become a citizen?

Means of Obtaining Citizenship The 14th Amendment defines the 2 ways of becoming a US citizen as: Birth Naturalization

Requirements Come to the United States Live here for 5 years

Citizenship through Naturalization Must demonstrate knowledge of American History American Government Must demonstrate the ability to speak and write English

Steps File application Take the test Appear in front of the a judge

Results of Immigration and Naturalization Increased cultural diversity Increased population growth