Chapter 1 Foundations of American Citizenship

What is civics? –Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens. Rights-privileges guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Duties-things you are required to do by law.

Who Are American Citizens? born in the 50 states or the territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, or the American Samoa) born to a U.S. citizen (May have dual citizenship) Anyone who has successfully completed the naturalization process

A Diverse America USA = a nation of immigrants Forced immigration = Slaves Recently most have come from Central America or Asia “Salad Bowl” Theory

Middle Passage Between 1619 and ,000 Africans made the journey

A Changing America America has experienced many different migrations- a mass movement of people within the country  From farms to the industrial jobs of the cities (mid 1800s)  African-Americans moving from the South to the North after the Civil War (late 1800s)  From Cities to suburbs (1950s to present)  From Northeast to South and West (1980s to present)

A “More-changing” America Manufacturing economy to a SERVICE economy The average age of Americans is climbing and people are having fewer children Record number of Americans are going to college Hispanic-Americans are now the fastest growing group in America

2010 Census Percentages America’s estimated population in 2010: 308, 745, 538 –White: 63.7% –Black or African American: 12.2% –American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% –Asian: 4.7% –Native Hawaiian an other Pacific Islander: 0.15% –Two or more races: 1.9% –Some other race: 0.2% –Hispanic or Latino: 16.3% (Source: U.S. Census Bureau: National Population Estimates; Decennial Census) 2012 American Population: 313, 914, 040

What Brings America Together? 1)American values (freedom, justice, equality, respect, tolerance) 2)A common language (English) 3)Traditional American Institutions: -Family -Religion -Education -Social -Government

Aliens In America Limits on immigration ~675,000 accepted Priority: relatives already here & special skills

Legal Aliens Here from another country…with permission Why USA??? –Jobs –schools Function like “citizen” with limitations Must pay taxes

Legal Aliens vs. American Citizens Legal Aliens: –Can’t vote or run for office –No jury duty –Can’t hold government jobs –Must always carry an identification card to prove their legal status (green card)

Illegal Aliens ~5 to 6 million people per year enter illegally Most risk capture and terrible conditions to sneak across the border Seek a better life Illegal to hire Face deportation

How to become a Citizen? Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood) –One parent is a U.S. Citizen, birthplace does not matter Jus Soli (Right of Birthplace) –If child is born in the U.S., even if parents are illegal immigrants Naturalization –18 years old –Permanent U.S. residency for 5 years, or if married to a U.S. citizen, 3 years –Good moral character –Read, write, speak English (some exceptions for Senior adults) –Citizenship test –Oath of Allegiance

Declaration of Intention File Application for citizenship File With INS Interview Pass Citizenship Exam Pledge OATH to USA

Why do we need Government? Ruling authority for a community Makes and enforces laws Thomas Hobbes believed that without a government, we would have to compete for resources, territory, and power Governments make it possible to live together peacefully and productively

Functions of Governments 1)KEEP ORDER - Establish courts to settle disputes - Pass and enforce laws

Functions of Governments 2) PROVIDE SERVICES Libraries Schools Hospitals Parks Water, electricity, sewer, gas Fire/police departments

Functions of Governments 3) GUIDE THE COMMUNITY Manage the economy (budget) Conduct foreign relations

Functions of Governments 4) PROVIDE SECURITY Prevent crime Protect from foreign attacks

Levels of Government  National (United States)  State (North Carolina)  Local  County (Alamance)  City or Town (Mebane)  Village

Types of Governments Direct Democracy- all citizens debate and vote on key issues

Types of Governments Representative Democracy (also known as a Republic)- citizens choose a smaller group to make laws and govern for them

Types of Governments Constitutional Monarchy- A country with a hereditary leader that must follow all laws and restrictions within a constitution

Types of Governments Absolute Monarchy- A country with a hereditary ruler who has complete control over the country

Types of Governments Dictatorship- A country ruled by a single person who uses force and fear to stay in power, usually with the control of the military

Types of Governments Totalitarianism- Any government that tries to completely control every aspect of its citizens lives

Authoritarian Governments Includes Absolute monarchies, dictatorships, and totalitarian states Rulers inherit positions or take them by force Ruler have unlimited powers and the government may impose anything it wants on the citizens The government relies on control of the media, propaganda, military and police power, and terror to control people Power is in the hands of one party or leader

DEMOCRACIES Fair Elections Protect citizens’ rights & freedoms Limited Power Rule of Law

Principles of American Democracy 1)Rule of Law- All people, including those who govern, are bound by the law

Principles of American Democracy 2)Limited Government- Government is not all powerful-it may do only those things that the people have given it the power to do

Principles of American Democracy 3)Consent of the Governed- American citizens are the source of all government power

Principles of American Democracy 4)Individual Rights- In the American democracy, individual rights are protected by the government

Principles of American Democracy 5)Representative Government- People elect government leaders to make the laws and govern on their behalf