CIVICS The study of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of members of a state or nation. Analyzes the interaction between citizens and their government. A citizen is someone who is entitled to certain rights, and in turn has certain duties and responsibilities. Citizenship – includes rights, duties, and responsibilities. Has roots in Ancient Greece (Athens) and Rome. Duties are Something you are required to do as a citizen. 1) Obey Laws 2) Pay Taxes 3) Jury Duty 4) Attend School 5) Register for the Draft

RIGHTS Something that you are entitled to as a human being. Categories of Rights Security – Protect from harmful behavior. Equality – People should have equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, or religious background. Liberty – All people should have certain basic freedoms. (Bill of Rights) RESPONSIBILITIES Things that you should do as a citizen. Be Informed Voting Participate in Government Respect Others Rights Respect Diversity

The Americas – A Land of Immigrants Asians - 10,000+ years ago – Crossed land bridge from Asia. Europeans – Late 1400’s, Early 1500’s. Largest number of immigrants from 1500’s-1900’s. Africans – – more than 500,000 brought into slavery Congress banned the slave trade. Today – Latin America. Given the US population, why is respect for diversity important?

IMMIGRATION Immigrant – People who move permanently to a new country. Immigrant plan to become citizens. Alien – People from other countries coming to US to work or study. Aliens plan to return to home country. Legal – File with government and are given permission to be in the country. (VISA) Illegal – Have not been given permission by the government to be in the country. NATURAL BORN CITIZEN All people who meet the following criteria are citizens by birth. 1) Born in… 50 States Washington D.C. US Territories – US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam US Military Base 2) Parents Are US Citizens

NATURALIZATION The legal process of becoming a citizen of the United States. 1. File Declaration of Intent Form (USCIS) 2. Live in US 5 years – Married 3 years 3. Meet with USCIS 4. Take Exam 5. Take Oath of Allegiance