U.S. Citizenship and Democracy

Discussion Prompt “A government is strengthened when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of our nation” -Barbara Jordan (First African American elected to Texas Legislature) Answer the following: What is the message of the quote? How can you participate in government? Why is it difficult for a government to provide both freedom and protection?

I. What is a Citizen? A.Defined -A citizen is a member of a state or nation who owes allegiance by birth or naturalization and is entitled to full civil rights B.The study of the duties and rights of citizens is called Civics.

C. Types of Citizens 1. Native Born – Born in the United States, or a child of a US Citizen 2. Naturalized – Becomes a legal citizen through the naturalization process

D. Citizenship in a Democracy Our government gets its power from the bottom up and the power of citizens. “Active participation by all citizens is our only safeguard…”

E. Government Responsibilities (found in PREAMBLE Page 760) 1.Form a more perfect union 2.Establish justice 3. Insure domestic tranquility 4. Provide for the common defense 5. Promote the general welfare 6. Secure the blessings of liberty

F. Majority and Minority Groups Majority 1.Party in power 2.People in power 3.Cannot ignore rights of minority group 4.Decides direction of policy making Minority 1. Party out of power 2. Groups with less power/resources 3. Participates in policy making 4. Criticizes majority 5. Can still have their voice heard

II. Responsibilities and Obligations/Duties of Citizens Responsibilities - Things citizens should do that have no punishments attached…to make the U.S. a better country. Obligation/Duty – Things citizens must do…or there will be some type of punishment or penalty.

A. Voting (responsibility) 1.14 th Amendment – gave all citizens the right to vote th Amendment – gave women the right to vote th Amendment – gave all citizens 18 or older the right to vote.

Voting cont… % of people vote in Presidential elections % vote in Congressional elections % vote in State/Local Elections

B. Jury Duty (obligation) 1. 6 th Amendment gives some people control over justice 2. Jury duty is an obligation and dodging erodes protections against injustice (you could be jailed)

C. Obeying Laws (obligation) th amendment guarantees equal protection under the law 2. Obeying the law is an obligation because no one is above it and everyone can seek it for protection

D. Paying Taxes (obligation) 1. Taxes are an obligation 2. Human nature to resent the government for taking your income 3. Human nature to demand the improvements and protections taxes provide

1. Not an obligation of all 2. Males 18 years old must register for Selective Service incase there is a need for a draft E. Military Service (obligation/duty)

1. Tolerance is an ideal pursued throughout history – Civil War, Women’s Suffrage, Civil Rights 2. Community Service – Time can be the most valuable resource we give others as a country 3. Honoring the Past – Civics in High School, Veterans Day, Memorials F. Respecting Others (duty/responsibility)

III. Benefits of Citizenship If you are a citizen, you have certain rights: A. Vote B. Apply for government jobs (Even President) C. Travel Between Countries Easier D. Host Relatives of Foreign Countries E. International Protection F. Financial Aid G. Pride

Review Questions What are the 2 types of citizenship? What rights and responsibilities are associated with citizenship? What are the advantages of citizenship?