UNIT 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  “Salad Bowl” Theory

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)

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

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?  (Right of Blood)  One parent is a U.S. Citizen, birthplace does not matter  (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

Global Engagement  A GLOBALLY COMPETENT CITIZEN CAN…  Investigates the world; understands about other cultures and nations; seeks to learn other languages  Weighs different perspectives; makes informed decisions in diverse groups  Communicates ideas respectfully and effectively  Takes action; makes a difference in your community, state, country, around the world  Applies disciplinary knowledge of the Social Sciences; makes positive interactions in society through people, projects, academic studies, challenges, and research in areas of professional practices.

Digital Citizenship A digital citizen can:  Understands how to stay safe online  Knows how to find, evaluate, manage, and create digital content  Understands how to participate responsibly in online communities  Understands their rights in a digital world

Civic Literacy  A citizen has an understanding of their government and how it works:  Understands government processes and the local and global implications of civic issues.  Knows how to exercise the rights and obligations of citizenship at the local, state and national levels  Stays informed  Participates effectively in civic life