Citizenship SOL CE 3a

A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government.

The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America defines citizenship as follows: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.”

2 ways to obtain citizenship: Birth

2 ways to obtain citizenship: Naturalization

The Oath of Citizenship 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 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. In acknowledgement whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century, have led to an increasingly diverse society.

To become a citizen through naturalization: a person must demonstrate knowledge of American history and principles…

To become a citizen through naturalization: and the ability to read, speak, and write words in ordinary usage in the English language.

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.

Where do we find the definition of citizen? The Fourteenth Amendment

What are the two ways of becoming a citizen? Birth Naturalization

What two factors have led to an increasingly diverse society? Immigration Naturalization

Which century saw immigration and naturalization led to a diverse society? 20th Century

What knowledge must a person demonstrate in order to become a naturalized citizen? Knowledge of American history and principles Ability to read, speak, and write basic English