Who are we as Americans?

Bellringer 3/21: What are some traditions and customs of the United States?

Who are Americans? The United States is a nation of immigrants. How does this affect our traditions and customs? Melting pot- customs and traditions blended into American society Salad bowl – retain unique customs E pluribus unum – “Out of many, one” Despite our differences, there are 3 values we share as Americans Equality Liberty Justice

Who are Americans? Americans feel a sense of patriotism Deep bond/love of their country Display patriotism through their allegiance or loyalty Patriotism v. Nationalism: Patriotism Love for country Understand shortcomings and improvements needed Nationalism: Feeling that country is superior Justify mistakes make in past

American Citizens A citizen (1) is a legal member of a country. The definition of citizenship has changed over time.

Citizenship The Naturalization Act of 1795 declared that “all free white persons…shall be entitled to the rights of citizenship.” Essential to a democracy is the ability to vote. Citizenship is a requirement to vote. Citizenship started very limited and has slowly expanded. 1848 Mexican residents Dred Scott v. Stanford (1857) In 1868 the 14th amendment was ratified 1924 Native Americans 1940s Laws banning Asians overturned Immigration and Reform Act 1986

How do you get to be a US citizen? There are three ways to become a US citizen Native-born Parents are citizens Naturalization (2) – the legal process by which an alien may become a citizen

Becoming a citizen: Native-born 14th Amendment, Section 1, Clause 1 “ All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Born in the United States, DC, a territory of the United States, or in a U.S. military base overseas Anchor Babies

Becoming a citizen: Parents Born overseas both parents are US citizens and 1 has lived in the U.S. Born abroad and at least one parent is a US citizen that lived in the US 5 years before you were born You are NOT a citizen if you are born in the US and your parents are foreign ambassadors Born outside of US

Becoming a citizen To go through the naturalization process, an alien must have a permanent resident card. Legal aliens can: work, pay taxes, own property, go to school Legal aliens cannot: vote, hold political office, or serve on juries To go through the US naturalization process you must… Be at least 18 a lawful permanent resident of the US for 5 years of good moral character (clean record) able to read, write, and speak simple English knowledgeable about US government and history

Becoming a citizen This process includes: 1. Getting a permanent visa 2. Complete application 3. Get fingerprinted/photos 4. Interview Includes a civics and English test 5. Take the oath of allegiance

Oath "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Citizen or Not Camille was born while her French parents were vacationing in Chicago. Carlos was born in Puerto Rico of Spanish citizens who were visiting relatives. Terry’s American parents were working and living in Greece when he was born. Ingrid was born in Washington, DC, where her father was serving as diplomats for Denmark. Sam was born on the US military base at Okinawa, Japan to parents that are Japanese citizens.

American People Today Census (3) – an official, periodic counting of a population. Impacts Congress Provides demographic information Changes in current population Natural increase in population Changing households Changing women’s roles An older population More diverse population

Rights Rights are guaranteed by the laws and Constitution of the United States to US citizens.

Rights Although we have certain rights as citizens, sometimes our interests are subordinate to the good of the nation. USA Patriot Act: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 Imminent lawless Action Speech is not protected by the First Amendment  Eminent Domain Government may take your property for a public purpose, but must provide compensation

Duties of Citizenship In return for having the privileges of a citizen, there are certain duties a citizen must do. Civic duty (4): Actions citizens are required to perform based on their allegiance to a government that protects their rights Include: Paying taxes Attend school Obey laws Selective service http://www.sss.gov/PDFs/WhoMustRegisterchart.pdf Jury duty

Responsibilities Responsibilities are things citizens should do, but are NOT required to do. Civic responsibility (5): Actions citizens should perform based on the desire to be a productive citizen These include Voting Volunteering Running for office Being informed Protecting and respecting other’s rights An increase in the level of citizen participation results in a more representative government.

Our country needs strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW Our country needs strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW. Look what is happening all over Europe and, indeed, the world - a horrible mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) Jan. 29, 2017 NYT

Questions to Answer Each member of your group should read the excerpts and answer the following questions in complete sentences on a sheet of paper to turn in. 1. Is the executive order good public policy: Will it help prevent future terrorist acts, its stated purpose? 2. Is the executive order legal? 3. Does the president’s executive order uphold the values of the United States? 4. Overall do you think Mr. Trump’s policy is good for the country?

Dates for Homework 15th: Gave African American men the right to vote; 1870 19th:Gave women the right to vote; 1920 26th: Can’t deny based on age; 1971