EOC Review Week 2

Day 1

Citizenship All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. – U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Section 1 (1868)

The Constitution was adopted in 1789 but did not include a definition of citizenship. The 14th amendment, adopted in 1868, finally defined who a citizen was. It defines citizenship as anyone who is born in the U.S. or naturalized.

Natural Born Citizens Law of Blood: if you are not born in the U.S. but one of your parents is a citizen. Law of Soil: when you are born in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or a U.S. military base.

Naturalization Requirements If an immigrant wants to become a citizen they must: Be at least 18 Been a resident for 5 years Read, write, and speak English Have a knowledge of American History and the Constitution Be of good moral character

Impact of Naturalization The increase of immigrants who become citizens leads them to become more involved in the political process.

Obligations of Citizens An obligation is an action that a citizen is required to fulfill by law. The obligations of citizens include: Obeying laws Paying taxes Defending the nation Registering for selective service Serving on juries

Responsibilities of Citizens A responsibility is an action that a citizen should take for the sake of the common good. Responsibilities of Citizens include: Voting Attending civics meetings Petitioning the government Running for office Performing community service

Guiding Question 1. For what purpose do citizens complete their responsibilities and obligations?

The Bill of Rights The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution These amendments define individual freedoms, rights of those accused of a crime, and protections from the federal government. It was added in 1791 (two years after the Constitution was ratified)

The First Amendment Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom of religion Freedom to assemble Freedom to petition the government

Parts of the Bill of Rights There are three categories of rights (freedoms and protections listed in the Bill of Rights) 1) Individual freedoms in the 1st amendment: Free speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition

2) Rights of the accused: Protection from unreasonable search and seizure Police must have probable cause/warrant Due Process Natural rights cannot be taken w/0 appropriate legal procedure Protection from self-incrimination Plead the 5th. Do not have to testify against yourself. No Double Jeopardy Cannot be tried twice for the same crime Trial by Jury No cruel and unusual punishment

3) Protection from Government abuse Property rights Eminent domain: the government has to pay citizens fairly if they take their property Voting rights (suffrage) 15th : African Americans 19th : Women 24th : No more poll tax 26th : 18 and older The right to protect oneself Right to bear arms

The Supreme Court evaluates rights and their limits The Supreme Court evaluates rights and their limits. They define how far our rights go.

Protection of Rights The U.S. government wants to keep the rights of its citizens safe. Some of these protections include: Habeas Corpus: the government must day why they are holding you No Ex post fact laws: a law that makes an act a crime after the crime has been committed.

Limits on Rights Our rights are not limitless. There must be a balance between individual rights and the common good. Your rights end where others’ begin! As long as your freedom does not threaten the common good.

Listed below are additional conditions used to limit freedom of speech and freedom of the press. 1) Clear and Present Danger – Will this act of speech create a dangerous situation? 2) Fighting Words – Will this act of speech create a violent situation? 3) Libel – Is this information false? 4) Conflict with Government Interests – During times of war the government may limit acts of speech due to national security.

Guiding Question Why is protecting the rights of citizens important?