United States Citizenship

Citizenship I. What is a citizen? A legal member of a nation who pledges loyalty to that nation. A citizen is a member of a community who wants to make it a good place to live. A citizen has guaranteed rights, protections, and responsibilities. All citizens have the right to equal protection under the law (due process – 14th Amendment).

Two ways to become a U.S. citizen 1. Birth – A child born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen. A child born to U.S. citizens abroad or to parents who are not U.S. citizens are considered citizens (dual citizenship). At 18 years old the child may choose one country. 2. Naturalization steps – A. 18 years old B. Enter U.S. legally C. Live in U.S. five years prior D. Read, write, and speak English E. Knowledge of U.S. history and government

II. What are your rights? You are guaranteed rights under the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, and state and federal laws.

3 kinds of rights continued 1. Basic freedoms – (Civil Rights) – Example – 1st Amendment rights 2. Protections from the government – (Bill of Rights – Bear Arms, Quartering of Troops, S&S, Speedy Trial, C&P) 3. Due Process – Equal treatment under the law Example – 13th,14th, 19th,26th Amendment, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Disabilities Act of 1990.

Limits on your freedoms Free speech does not mean you can yell, “Fire!” at a crowded concert. The people around you have rights also. The government may also limit our rights to protect national security (Airports after 9/11, gun laws, etc.).

Responsibilities? For Democracy to work we have responsibilities Two kinds of Responsibilities 1. Personal – taking care of yourself and family, knowing right from wrong, behaving. 2. Civic – obeying rules, and laws, serving on juries, paying taxes, defending your country, and voting.

Personal Duties

Civic Duties

Responsibilities Young and Old Under 18 Attend and do well in school Responsibility for one’s behavior Help one’s family Clean up community Help elderly Over 18 Vote Serve on a jury Serve in the military to defend country Work on political campaign or polling area

Responsibilities for All of us Obey rules and laws Be tolerant of others Pay taxes Volunteer Stay informed about the issues

IV. How do you stay informed? Stay informed about issues that affect your life. This gives you info. to make wise decisions and solve problems. 1. Watch, listen, and read 2. Evaluate – watch for biased information 3. Communicate – contact public officials

V. How do you make wise decisions? Civic life involves making important decisions. Who should you vote for? Should you find the defendant guilty or not guilty? Should you oppose or support a government action? Should you sign a petition? This is not a toss a coin decision. Use a problem solving approach.

VI. Participation 1. Find a cause you feel passionate about 2. Develop a solution 3. Follow through