Civics is the relationship between people and government. What is Civics? Civics = the STUDY OF CITIZENSHIP and GOVERMMENT Civics is the relationship between people and government.

Who Are America’s Citizens?

In the late 1700s, there were less than 4 million people living in modern day U.S. Today, there are more than 300 million people living in the U.S.

Counting the National Population Census – count of individuals living in US Started in 1790 Conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce

Why is a census necessary? To determine representation in Congress Used to distribute billions of federal funds to local communities Count indicates migration (movement) within the US

What is a citizen? Citizen – a native or naturalized member of a country who owes that country’s government their allegiance. Citizenship – is the status of being a citizen. If you have citizenship in a country, you have the right to live there, work, vote, and pay taxes!

Citizen by Birth If you were born on U.S. soil If you were born in any American territory If you were born anywhere in the world to one or both American parents Americans may hold dual citizenship with another country

Naturalization Process Naturalization – a legal process to attain citizenship To be eligible: Be at least 18 years old Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years. Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). Be a person of good moral character. Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

Naturalization Process In general, the naturalization process includes the following steps: Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. Submit an Application for Naturalization. Live in U.S. for 5 years (on average) Complete the interview and examination. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Three Ways to Lose Citizenship Denaturalization – Loss of citizenship through fraud or deception during the naturalization process Expatriation – Giving up one’s citizenship by leaving one’s native country to gain citizenship in a foreign country Punishment for a Crime – May lose citizenship when convicted of treason against the United States

Illegal Aliens Only about 650,000 immigrants are accepted each year into the United States. Some 11 million illegal aliens are living in the U.S. 50% of illegal aliens arrive from Mexico, others from Asia, Middle East and Central American countries

Legal Aliens A resident alien is a person from a foreign country who has established permanent residence in the U.S. They may stay as long as they wish without becoming citizens. A nonresident alien is someone who expects to stay in the U.S. for a short, specified period. Refugees are people fleeing their country to escape persecution.

Legal Aliens Legal Aliens Can: Legal Aliens Cannot: Hold jobs Vote in elections Own property Run for office Attend public schools Serve on juries Pay taxes & Receive government services Be without identification cards

History of Immigration Reform What were some of the key policies/laws established during that time? What were the policies/laws addressing (what were the goals of these policies/laws)? What was occurring nationally and internationally during noted dates that might have influenced these policies/laws (this might include wars, economic challenges, discrimination, etc.)? What impact do you think these policies/laws had on immigrants and the United States?

Government Government = A SMALL group of people ruling over a LARGE group of people Laws = rules/regulations of individuals/groups

Four (4) Functions of Government 1- Keep Order – Make laws and set consequences Laws passed/Police enforce/Courts convict 2- Provide Security – Prevents crime and protects citizens Military 3- Provide Public Services – Meets needs of the masses Fire Department, Water & Sewer, Hospitals, Transportation 4- Guiding Community – Works to achieve community goals Develop Public Policy (course of action) Economic Plan = Budget (collect and spend)

The Citizen and the Community 17

Duties & Responsibilities of Citizens We all have certain responsibilities and duties to uphold/perform in our community. Responsibilities - things we should do; they are obligations that we fulfill voluntarily Duties - things that we must do 18

A Citizen’s Legal Duties Obey laws Pay taxes Defend the nation All men aged 18-25 are required to register for the draft (to call up people for military service – Selective Service Act) Serve in court – on juries or as witnesses Attend school – until 16 in NC 19

A Citizen’s Responsibilities Be informed of current events. Respect others’ rights Tolerance - respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences Contribute to the common good Vote Others?? “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials but the voters of this country.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt 20

A Citizen’s Rights Rights – privileges that cannot be taken away by the government Sources of Our Rights Declaration of Independence State Constitutions U.S. Constitution – including Bill of Rights and other Amendments

Security Rights – Protection by the Government Some of our rights are based on denying certain powers to our government: Article I of the Constitution denies certain powers to Congress The Bill of Rights contains many limitations to government’s powers

Equality Rights – Equal Treatment Under the Law 14th Amendment requires that all persons are treated the same (all persons to be given due process and equal protection) Amendments like the 15th and 19th made voting an equal right for all citizens

Liberty Rights – Rights Guaranteed Under the Constitution 1st Amendment rights are a prime example of protecting basic freedoms Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly, and Petition 5th Amendment - Certain rights are given to accused persons