Citizenship CE.3a-e CE.4a-e

Citizenship: Basics

What is Citizenship? 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.

What amendment to the U.S. Constitution discusses citizenship? Fourteenth Amendment: "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."

What does “Born” mean? There are many ways that a person can be "born" to become a citizen of the United States. Born in the US Born in US Territory Born on a US Ship Born at US Embassy Born with one parent or two parents who are US Citizens

What does “Naturalized” mean? To become a citizen through naturalization, a person must demonstrate knowledge of US history and principles and the ability to read, speak, and write words in ordinary usage in the English language.

Civic Duties

Civic Duties=Must Do! For government to be effective, citizens must fulfill their civic duties. Citizens who chose not to fulfill their civic duties face legal consequences; such as jail time or fines!

Duties of U.S. Citizens Obey laws!

Pay Taxes! Federal income tax is always due in April! Duties of U.S. Citizens Pay Taxes! Federal income tax is always due in April!

Duties of U.S. Citizens Serve in the armed forces, if called! All males when they turn 18 must register with the armed forces.

Serve on a jury or as a witness in court if called! Duties of U.S. Citizens Serve on a jury or as a witness in court if called!

Civic Responsibilities

Civic Responsibilities=Should Do! Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice, they are voluntary! A basic responsibility of citizenship is to contribute to the common good!

Civic Responsibilities Register and Vote! When you turn 18-register to vote so that your voice can be heard!

Civic Responsibilities Hold elective office!

Civic Responsibilities Communicate with government officials to influence government actions!

Civic Responsibilities Serve in voluntary appointed government positions!

Civic Responsibilities Participate in political Campaigns!

Civic Responsibilities Keep informed regarding current issues!

Civic Responsibilities Respect others' right to an equal voice in government!

Civic Responsibilities Remember: A democratic society requires active participation of its citizens. Aside from doing your civic responsibilities; you should also participate in community service by: Volunteering to support democratic institutions. Expressing concern about the welfare of the community as a whole. Help to make the community a good place to live and work!

Traits of Good Citizens

How can Citizens demonstrate good citizenship? Thoughtful and effective participation in civic life depends upon the exercise of good citizenship. You can demonstrate good citizenship by: formulating questions analyzing information from a variety of sources expressing a position devising and implementing a plan practicing thoughtful decision making in personal, financial, and civic matters (e.g., voting, civic issues).

Traits of Good Citizens Trustworthiness and honesty

Traits of Good Citizens Courtesy and respect for the rights of others

Traits of Good Citizens Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance

Traits of Good Citizens Respect for the law

Traits of Good Citizens Patriotism

Traits of Good Citizens Participation in the school and/or local community

Traits of Good Citizens Participation in elections as an informed voter

Rights of Citizens

Rights of Citizens The Constitution of the United States of America establishes and protects the citizens' fundamental rights and liberties. Few rights, if any, are considered absolute. What do you think of the statement "Few rights, if any, are considered absolute?"

Important Amendments that Deal with Citizens Rights The First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution guarantee many fundamental rights and liberties.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution The First Amendment contains FIVE fundamental freedoms: 1.) Religion 2.) Speech 3.) Press 4.) Assembly 5.) Petition

1.) Religion Government may not establish an official religion, or unduly interfere with the free exercise of religion.

2.) Speech Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs. Is speech, just speech?

3.) Press The press has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government. Do other countries have freedom of the press to report on the government?

4.) Assembly Individuals may peacefully gather. Why does it have to be peaceful?

5.) Petition Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials.

Fourteenth Amendment Extends due process protection to actions of the states. Due process-Government must respect all legal rights that a person has!