1. Vocabulary Preview
Election
Volunteer
Vote
Citizen
Duty
Responsibility

2. An Overview of U.S. Government
Civics
Central Middle School
Mr. Collins
CE 2a-d Chapter 1 Section 1
CE.6b

3. What is Civics? The study of the rights and duties of citizens
Rights are things that citizens are entitled to
Duties are things that citizens are required to do
Responsibilities are things that good citizens should do

4. Levels of Government National Government – has the highest authority
State Government – next highest authority
Local Government – least authority

5. Fundamental Principles of Government

6. Important Political Principles
Democracy – form of government in which the people rule
Representative Government – the people elect representatives to rule

7. Important Political Principles (continued)
Rule of Law – All people are bound by the law
Limited government – Government may only do the things that the people have given it the power to do. NOT all powerful
Consent of the governed – All governmental power comes from the people

8. How to Become a U.S. Citizen

9. What is a Citizen?
An individual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government

10. CE.3a Guiding Question:
How does an individual become a citizen?

11. Means of Obtaining Citizenship
The 14th Amendment defines the 2 ways of becoming a US citizen as:
Birth
Naturalization

12. Requirements
Come to the United States
Live here for 5 years

13. Citizenship through Naturalization
Must demonstrate knowledge of
American History
American Government
Must demonstrate the
ability to speak and write
English

14. Steps
File application
Take the test
Appear in front of the a judge

15. Results of Immigration and Naturalization
Increased cultural diversity
Increased population growth