1. Who are we as Americans?

2. Bellringer 3/21:
What are some traditions and customs of the United States?

3. Who are Americans? The United States is a nation of immigrants.
How does this affect our traditions and customs?
Melting pot- customs and traditions blended into American society
Salad bowl – retain unique customs
E pluribus unum – “Out of many, one”
Despite our differences, there are 3 values we share as Americans
Equality
Liberty
Justice

6. Who are Americans? Americans feel a sense of patriotism
Deep bond/love of their country
Display patriotism through their allegiance or loyalty
Patriotism v. Nationalism:
Patriotism
Love for country
Understand shortcomings and improvements needed
Nationalism:
Feeling that country is superior
Justify mistakes make in past

7. American Citizens A citizen (1) is a legal member of a country.
The definition of citizenship has changed over time.

8. Citizenship
The Naturalization Act of 1795 declared that “all free white persons…shall be entitled to the rights of citizenship.”
Essential to a democracy is the ability to vote. Citizenship is a requirement to vote.
Citizenship started very limited and has slowly expanded.
1848 Mexican residents
Dred Scott v. Stanford (1857)
In 1868 the 14th amendment was ratified
1924 Native Americans
1940s Laws banning Asians overturned
Immigration and Reform Act 1986

9. How do you get to be a US citizen?
There are three ways to become a US citizen
Native-born
Parents are citizens
Naturalization (2) – the legal process by which an alien may become a citizen

10. Becoming a citizen: Native-born
14th Amendment, Section 1, Clause 1
“ All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Born in the United States, DC, a territory of the United States, or in a U.S. military base overseas
Anchor Babies

11. Becoming a citizen: Parents
Born overseas both parents are US citizens and 1 has lived in the U.S.
Born abroad and at least one parent is a US citizen that lived in the US 5 years before you were born
You are NOT a citizen if you are born in the US and your parents are foreign ambassadors
Born outside of US

12. Becoming a citizen
To go through the naturalization process, an alien must have a permanent resident card.
Legal aliens can: work, pay taxes, own property, go to school
Legal aliens cannot: vote, hold political office, or serve on juries
To go through the US naturalization process you must…
Be at least 18
a lawful permanent resident of the US for 5 years
of good moral character (clean record)
able to read, write, and speak simple English
knowledgeable about US government and history

13. Becoming a citizen This process includes: 1. Getting a permanent visa
2. Complete application
3. Get fingerprinted/photos
4. Interview
Includes a civics and English test
5. Take the oath of allegiance

14. Oath
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

15. Citizen or Not
Camille was born while her French parents were vacationing in Chicago.
Carlos was born in Puerto Rico of Spanish citizens who were visiting relatives.
Terry’s American parents were working and living in Greece when he was born.
Ingrid was born in Washington, DC, where her father was serving as diplomats for Denmark.
Sam was born on the US military base at Okinawa, Japan to parents that are Japanese citizens.

16. American People Today
Census (3) – an official, periodic counting of a population.
Impacts Congress
Provides demographic information
Changes in current population
Natural increase in population
Changing households
Changing women’s roles
An older population
More diverse population

17. Rights
Rights are guaranteed by the laws and Constitution of the United States to US citizens.

18. Rights
Although we have certain rights as citizens, sometimes our interests are subordinate to the good of the nation.
USA Patriot Act: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001
Imminent lawless Action
Speech is not protected by the First Amendment 
Eminent Domain
Government may take your property for a public purpose, but must provide compensation

19. Duties of Citizenship
In return for having the privileges of a citizen, there are certain duties a citizen must do.
Civic duty (4): Actions citizens are required to perform based on their allegiance to a government that protects their rights
Include:
Paying taxes
Attend school
Obey laws
Selective service
Jury duty

20. Responsibilities
Responsibilities are things citizens should do, but are NOT required to do.
Civic responsibility (5): Actions citizens should perform based on the desire to be a productive citizen
These include
Voting
Volunteering
Running for office
Being informed
Protecting and respecting other’s rights
An increase in the level of citizen participation results in a more representative government.

21. Our country needs strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW
Our country needs strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW. Look what is happening all over Europe and, indeed, the world - a horrible mess!
— Donald J. Trump 29, 2017
NYT

22. Questions to Answer
Each member of your group should read the excerpts and answer the following questions in complete sentences on a sheet of paper to turn in.
1. Is the executive order good public policy: Will it help prevent future terrorist acts, its stated purpose?
2. Is the executive order legal?
3. Does the president’s executive order uphold the values of the United States?
4. Overall do you think Mr. Trump’s policy is good for the country?

23. Dates for Homework
15th: Gave African American men the right to vote; 1870
19th:Gave women the right to vote; 1920
26th: Can’t deny based on age; 1971