CITIZENSHIP “I hereby declare, on oath, that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies…that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same so help me God.” -Oath of Allegiance to the United States

The framers of the Constitution planned our government very carefully. A good constitution alone is not good enough. To safeguard our democratic republic, each of us must exercise our responsibilities as citizens.

What is a citizen? A citizen is a person who owes loyalty to a particular nation and is entitled to all of its rights and protections.

What are the requirements to be a citizen of the United States? You were born in the United States (or at least one parent is a citizen of the U.S.) You were naturalized (you have completed the official legal process for becoming a citizen). You were 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized.

Not a citizen? An immigrant is a person who enters another country in order to settle there. A resident alien is a non-citizen living in a country.

Becoming a Naturalized Citizen Five-year Residency (waiting period before you can turn in an application for citizenship) Take a citizenship test to show that you are comfortable with the English Language and that you are familiar with American History and government Show that you are of good moral character Pass an interview/background check Take the Oath of Allegiance

Civic Virtue The founding fathers admired Civic Virtue (the willingness to work for the good of the nation or community even at a great sacrifice to yourself) Place the common good ahead of your own life Roman model: Cincinnatus – gave up a peaceful life on his farm when called upon to lead Rome

Democratic Values Basic values that are the basis for our democratic system include: honesty and compassion as well as: Patriotism – feeling of love and devotion to one’s country; serve your country Respect – respect others and the property of others Responsibility – both personal and public Courage – physical or moral

Responsibilities of a Citizen Voting (the most important thing you can do as a citizen) Obeying Laws Defending the Nation Serving on a Jury (jury duty) Serving the Community Being Informed You cannot protect your rights as a citizen unless you know what they are. It is your responsibility to be informed. “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free…it expects what never was and never will be.” – Thomas Jefferson