1. Citizenship
Introduction Notes

2. What is Civics? Civics- the study of the rights and duties of citizens
Citizenship dates back more than 2,500 years ago to Ancient Greece and Rome
Citizenship has historically been limited to men who own property

3. How do you become a U.S. Citizen?
Citizen by birth
If you are born in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, you are automatically a citizen.
The same applies if you are born in an American territory, such as Puerto Rico or Guam, or on a U.S. military base overseas.

5. Naturalization Vocabulary
Immigrant
A person who moves from one country to another country legally. They U.S. only accepts around 500,000 legal immigrants each year.
Alien
A person from a foreign country who lives in the United States legally. They come to work, study, or visit… but will eventually return home.
Illegal Alien
A person from a foreign country who is living in the United States without going through the proper legal process. If is estimated that over 12 million people illegally reside in the United States.
Refugee
A person who is forced from their home country because of war, persecution, etc.

6. Naturalization Process (Steps)
1. Sign a Declaration of Intention
Filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
2. Live in the United States for at least 5 years
Aliens married to citizens only wait 3 years.
3. Interview and Examination Process
USCIS official completes interview to check requirements and moral character.

7. Naturalization Steps Continued
4. U.S. Citizenship Exam
Contains questions about reading, writing, and speaking English
Basic United States history, culture, and government
5. Oath of Allegiance
Once application is granted, the alien attends a ceremony, recites the oath, and signs document accepting citizenship
If they have children under the age of 18, they automatically become naturalized too.

10. Losing Your Citizenship
There are only three ways to have your citizenship taken/given away
Denaturalization
Citizenship (application) is revoked because of false information provided, or improper process
Expatriation
Citizenship is given up, usually in order to gain citizenship in another nation
Punishment
Serious crimes against the government (treason, rebellion, violent overthrow of gov’t)

13. The “Great American Melting Pot”?
“Melting Pot” Theory
All the different culture in the United States blend together to form one large culture
“Salad” Theory
Each culture of the United States keeps its characteristics, but joins to form one culture
Diversity
The presence of different races, cultures, genders, ages, religions, ethnic groups, and opinions in one population

14. What does the GOVERNMENT do?
Keep order
Pass and enforce laws, establish courts
Provide Security
Prevent crimes, protect citizens from foreign attacks
Provide Services
Provide libraries, schools, hospitals, parks, water, utilities
Guide the Community
Manage the economy, conduct foreign relations

15. What do CITIZENS do? Duties (Something you must do, by law)
Serving on a jury
Obeying laws
Paying taxes
Responsibilities (Something you should do)
Volunteer/charity work
Voting /Running for office
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