American Citizenship

Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

A citizen… Owes allegiance to a government. Is entitled to government protection in exchange for their allegiance (contract). Has certain rights and responsibilities. Citizenship is a social contract, the citizen owes loyalty and duty, the government owes protection of rights.

Naturalized Citizenship Becoming a Citizen Naturalized Citizenship Native Citizenship People born in other countries must go through a “naturalization process” to become a citizen of the U.S. 18 years old Lawful, permanent resident of the U.S. for 5 years (3 is married to a citizen) Swear loyalty to the U.S. Have good moral character Be able to read, write, and speak english Be knowledgeable of U.S. history and government If you are born in a country you are native to that country. Babies born in America are automatically citizens, this is native citizenship. Children born in other countries to American parents can also be citizens if their parents choose. Naturalized citizens must take a test and complete an interview in order to pass the naturalization process.

Citizenship Test (example questions) What do the stripes on the flag mean? What do the stars on the flag mean? What country did the U.S. fight during the Revolutionary War? Who was the first President of the U.S.? How many branches are there in our government? What do we call a change to our Constitution? Why did the Pilgrims come to America? Who helped the Pilgrims in America? What ship did the Pilgrims sail on? What were the original 13 states?

Membership in a Society Citizens are members of a society, a community bound by common interests and standards. Citizens must obey the laws of the society to ensure those common interests and standards are met. Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship and government.

Government and Society Government is the organization that establishes and executes the policies (laws and rules) used by members of a society.

What Government Does Security. Government’s first job is to protect people’s natural rights. It is the government’s half of the social contract. Government protects you from… Other countries (through the military) Other people (through the police) Business (regulations on food, workers) Yourself (seatbelt laws, drug laws)

2. Law and Order. Government makes laws and enforces those laws in order to maintain peace in society. Without law and order there is anarchy. 3. Public Services. Government privides services to help society run smoothly and safely. Such as trash collection, mail, water purification, firefighters, police 4. Maintain Institutions. Government establishes and runs many different services such as jails, courts, hospitals, and schools.

Intro to Types of Government Monarchy Dictatorship A single person is the ruler The right to rule is passed down Rules for life The right to rule comes from God Ruler may have absolute power or limited power Kings, Queens, Emperors Ruler has absolute and unlimited power Dictators make laws, determine how laws are enforced, and decide punishments Many dictators gain power through violent coups Democracy Citizens control government by voting Values the equality of all people Government is limited in power

The American Dream Because you live in America, you have the opportunity to see your dreams come true. No dreams are guaranteed, but you have the right to pursue your dreams.

Diversity in America America is a country made up of immigrants The population is becoming more diverse E Pluribus Unum “From Many, One.” The Melting Pot People from different countries blend into one American culture The Salad Bowl People from different countries mix together but do not give up own culture to be part of the American culture

Census 2000 – Racial Diversity in America Note – Hispanics may be of any race. Hispanics make up 12.55 of the total population

Certain basic human rights are guaranteed by our government American Values Equality All citizens are treated equally by government 2. Freedom Certain basic human rights are guaranteed by our government 3. Justice Laws are applied fairly and equally to everyone

Equality Equality is an ideal that we try to achieve “all men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence 1776 Meant white men only Women, African Americans, and Native Americans did not have equal rights Today we are truly much more equal Except… Money and wealth? Homosexuality? Women?

Freedom Declaration of Independence 1776 was written to declare the U.S. a free country The U.S. was built on Natural Rights theory Means that people rights come from God, not government Because they come from God they are inalienable, which means they cannot be taken away The Top Freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, petition

Justice No person can be punished for a crime unless government follows certain rules and procedures People have a right to: A speedy trial, an attorney, confront witnesses, a jury Protection from cruel and unusual punishment

Striving Towards an Ideal In the real world we do not find perfect equality, freedom, and justice Our ideals are our goals To achieve these goals all citizens must work to fulfill their duties and responsibilities “America will lead by defending liberty and justice, because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere.” G. W. Bush

Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens As an American Citizen you enjoy many rights, however, to keep those rights you must fulfill your duties as well as your responsibilities. Duties are required by law Responsibilities are implied by the social contract.

Duties of Citizens Obeying the laws. Citizens must uphold their end of the contract, if they break the law they lose their rights. Defending the Nation. The military protects our country’s freedom and rights, we have a volunteer military.

3. Paying Taxes. Government needs tax money in order to provide services and exist at all. 4. Jury Duty. People accused of crimes need fair and responsible jurors. 5. Attending School. Educated citizens are productive and responsible citizens for the whole country.

Responsibilities of Citizens Respecting the Rights of others. Your Personal rights are balanced against the rights of others and the good of the community as a whole. 2. Voting. Voting is how people hold government accountable. Your vote is your voice.

3. Helping to make society better 3. Helping to make society better. Citizens have a responsibility to help make the community better. This can be by volunteering, donating to charity, tutoring, being a hardworking student and employee, and putting the common good before personal interests.