Citizens and Citizenship

1. Who are Citizens? a.Citizenship by birth 1)Born in a US state. 2)Born in a US territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands). 3)Born on a US military base. 4)Born to two US citizens (not on American soil) or if one is citizen who has lived in the US. b.By naturalization: a way for foreign born people who choose to become US citizens.

2. What is the naturalization process? a.Step one: Must sign a Declaration of Intent. This document is filed with US Citizenship and Immigration and must live in the US for 5 years. b.Step two: interview with USCIS official c.Step three: citizenship exam (this exam is given in English) d.Step four: Oath of Allegiance

3. What are the duties of citizenship? a.Duties are actions a citizen must take to stay within the law. (they are required by law). b.Non-compliance is punishable by fines and/or jail. c.Duties include: 1)Going to school/sending children to school (required until 16) 2)Paying taxes 3)Obey the law 4)Register with the selective service (if you are male 18-25) 5)Serve jury duty or as a witness (if subpoenaed)

4. What are the responsibilities of citizenship? a.Responsibilities are actions a citizen should do on a voluntary basis to be a good citizen. b.Responsibilities include: 1)Vote 2)Stay informed 3)Participate in civic groups Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, and American Legion. 4)Know your rights. 5)Get an education. 6)Money management (Fiscal Responsibility)

5. What does it take to be an effective citizen? a.Self-determination: determines the level of one’s ability to function in a free society 1)Literacy connects people to government and life-long learning 2)Education level determines earning capacity b.Be an informed citizen. c.Know your rights d.Carry out duties and responsibilities.

Earning Capacity

Lifetime Earning 40 year period

High School Drop out 80 % Increase chances of being arrested and sent to prison, jail Decrease chances of getting a job and contributing to the economy (Cost Nation 335 Billion) Risk of generational welfare (continuing the cycle) High School Drop outs

6. How can citizens participate in their local, state, and national community/government? a.Voting: Exercising your right to vote means that you are giving consent to the government. 1)Voting is the main way to change society 2)Be responsible/informed: know who you are voting for. 3)Grassroots campaigns: support from/for the average citizens who run for office or try to get issues on the ballot b.Patriotism 1)Respect diversity (tolerance) = treat others w/respect 2)One of our strengths is that we have a diverse group of people

E. How can citizens participate in their local, state, and national community/government? c.Public service 1)Holding a government position 2)Volunteerism (PTA, hospitals, nursing homes) 3)Federal Public Service a)AmeriCorps- local & nat. organizations (American Red Cross) b)Peace Corps- US citizens spend 2 years in a foreign county helping w/ basic needs such as schooling & healthcare, established in 1961 by JFK c)Job Corps- offer job training d)Senior Corps- use experience, skills, & talents of senior citizens to meet community challenges

E. How can citizens participate in their local, state, and national community/government? d.Political Action 1)Voting 2)Petition: started w/Magna Carta, getting enough registered voters to sign a paper, such as getting an issue placed on the ballot to be voted on. 3)Lobbying: attempt to create change by convincing legislators to vote for their issue (guns, unions, industry, etc) 4)Protest: Demonstrations, boycotts, and civil disobedience, changing public opinion (example: Civil Rights movement)

6.List 5 qualities of a good citizen (on back). 7.List 5 qualities of a bad citizen (on back).

Explain what an effective citizen might know. Explain what an effective citizen might say. Explain what an effective citizen might do in his or her lifetime. Explain what an effective citizen might feel and believe. Explain where an effective citizen may have been in his or her lifetime.