Citizen: a person who owes or pledges allegiance to a country Ancient Greece and Rome gave citizenship to men who owned property The idea of citizenship fit well with the governments created out of revolutions in the 1700s.

1.Born in the United States or one of its territories 2.One of your parents was a citizen when you were born 3.Naturalization 4.Under 18 when your parents become naturalized

 Naturalization- the legal process to obtain citizenship  Must meet certain requirements: Must be 18 or older Must have been a lawful permanent resident for five years Must be able to read, write, and speak English Must be of good moral character Must show an understanding of U.S. civics

 Americans can lose their citizenship in three ways: Expatriation. Someone who gives their allegiance to another country is expatriated. Denaturalization. Naturalized citizens who are found to have lied on their citizenship application can lose their naturalization. Being convicted of certain crimes. Those guilty of any of the following three crimes can lose citizenship: treason, taking part in a rebellion, and trying to overthrow the government by violent means

 Aliens- foreign born residents who have not been naturalized. Can be legal or illegal  Legal aliens- Can be here for a short or long period of time. Have almost all rights as citizens.  Refugees- A person fleeing his/her country to flee danger  Illegal aliens- People who have come here without going through the legal process.

 Freedom of speech  Right to vote  Freedom of religion  Right to a fair trial  Right to bear arms  People in the United States have claims to protections from government intrusion into certain parts of their lives. These claims are called RIGHTS.

 Many of the rights held by American citizens protect the ability to participate in the political process (the backbone of our government).  Speech  Press  Assembly  Petition  Suffrage  Hold public office

 As members of communities, we all have responsibilities- things we should do AND duties- things we are required to do.

 Duties are set by laws, and anyone who fails to perform them can be punished by law. Five of the most important duties are:  Obey laws  Pay taxes  Defend the nation  Serve in court as jury and witness  Attend school

 Be an informed and active citizen  Respect the rights of others  Contribute to the common good  Some responsibilities are associated with certain rights Right to bear arms Receive firearms training Right to a jury trial Serve on a jury Right to vote Become informed on public issues

 Individual rights are relative, not absolute. The exercise of rights must be balanced by the rights of others and the common good.  Common Good: the well-being of all members of society

1.Name two ways a person can become an American citizen 2.Why does the United States have such a thorough process for naturalization? 3.Why is it every citizen’s responsibility to be informed? 4.What do you think is the most important duty or responsibility of a citizen?