Citizenship and the Naturalization Process

Who is a Citizen??? A citizen is any person with certain rights and duties under the government. What makes you a citizen??? You were born in the United States or a U.S. territory One of your parents is an American citizen when you were born…no matter where you were born You have been naturalized

What is naturalization??? Naturalization means you have gone through the process of becoming a citizen. Once the process is complete you have all the rights and duties of citizens by birth EXCEPT to be the President or Vice President. It is a lengthy process to become an American citizen through naturalization.

The Naturalization Process Turn to page 57 of your textbook… Step One: Application Step Two: Examination Step Three: Final Hearing Step One: Application Submits application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Naturalization Continued Step Two: Examination 18 or older Lived in US for at least 5 years Good moral character (example: not convicted of a crime) Loyalty to the principles of the US Constitution Read, write, and speak English Knowledge of US History and govt. Step Three: Final Hearing USCIS responds to application Take oath of loyalty Receives certificate of citizenship.

The Important Role of the Citizen The office of citizen The gov’t receives its power from the citizens of the United States. Citizens have the power to change the government. We lend our power to representatives to represent us in making the laws that we have to follow. (Representative form of gov’t)

The Individual As an individual we have many roles that we play in society. Everyday roles: son, daughter, sister, brother, Social roles: roles that people play in real life (usually outside of our household) Citizen roles: being informed about an upcoming election, watching the news, reading the newspaper, attending a debate or town meeting. What are some other roles that you play in society?

Roles Continued Overlapping Roles Conflicting Roles When and how do roles overlap? Conflicting Roles What should you think about when your roles overlap?

What is the Citizen’s Role Active Citizen Contribute to the common good Run for office Volunteer on a campaign or on a committee Being informed about the gov’t Voting Donate money Volunteering with church, youth, or elderly organizations What are some other ways that citizens can contribute to the common good?