CITIZENSHIP

Path To Citizenship Citizens are people with certain rights and duties under a government who owe allegiance to that government Birth Born in any of the 50 states or D.C. Born in an American Territory Born elsewhere but both parents are citizens or at least one is a citizen who lived in U.S. EXCEPTION – children born in U.S. or territory to foreign diplomats

Naturalization – process of becoming a citizen after birth Sign a statement stating intent to become citizen (Declaration of Intent) – filed with INS Live in U.S. 3-5 years Application for citizenship Interview with Citizenship and Immigration Take citizenship test If granted – attend ceremony and pledge an oath of allegiance and sign official document

If a parent becomes a citizen through naturalization any children of theirs under 18 become citizens as well Dual citizenship – a person is a citizen of 2 countries. (parents from 2 countries)

Duties of Citizenship Obey laws Pay taxes Defend the nation (or at least register to do so) Serve in court (jury duty) Attend school

Responsibilities of Citizens Be informed – newspaper, radio, TV, internet, town/city council meetings, etc. Speak up and Vote Respect others’ rights Respect diversity – tolerance, open mind Contribute to the common good Participate in gov

Government Representative democracy in US Government is the organizations, institutions, and individuals who have political authority over the people

Government Helps it’s citizens (welfare programs) Keeps order (makes, enforces laws) Provides security (military, prisons)

Being an Effective Citizen Volunteer in your community Be informed Participate ( run for office, attend city council meetings) Respect the rights of others and their property Obey the law

Immigration Immigration Act of 1990 set a immigration quota of 675,000/year Regulating immigration is an expressed power of Congress Preference given to spouses and children of US citizens, people with desired job shills, and aliens

Aliens Aliens can be legal or illegal Legal aliens have permission To be in the country Most are here visiting or attending school Cannot hold gov job, vote, serve on a jury or hold public office. Can buy property, hold certain jobs, and receive due process

Aliens Illegal Aliens are here without permission Most are here seeking work, better health care or an education. Refugees are people who come to the US to get away from a crisis in their country. Wars, famine, persecution, and political oppression are some reasons

US immigration US known as a melting pot (several nationalities blend together into one society) E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one

Migration A migration is a mass movement A migration is taking place in the US; people are leaving the colder climates (the rust belt) and moving to the warmer climates (the sunbelt)

Migration People have also move from the farms to the cities, and from the cities to the suburbs.

Types of Governments Democracy – born in ancient Greece Government by the people Elections are the foundation A secret ballot makes elections free and fair

Types of Gov Constitutional Monarchy One ruler (usually a king/queen) Often hereditary Monarch acts as head of state Great Britain

Types of Gov Socialism Much more gov involvement Gov ownership of certain industries Less free market

Types of gov Theocracy Gov based on a religion Iran

Types of gov Totalitarianism Total control by the gov Restriction of rights Single political party

Oligarchy Rule by a few people China

aristocracy Small, privileged ruling class Spain, Denmark

Republic Power rest with the citizens Free elections US

Federalsim Power shared between the national and state governments Each has certain powers US

Anarchy Lack of government Somalia

Absolute Monarchy King with total power Saudi Arabia