Chapter 1 Section 1

What is Civics? The study of the rights and duties of citizens. Community members who owe loyalty to the government and are entitled to protection from it.

Do we need government?

The functions of Government Settles conflicts Protects community Provides services that individuals couldn’t supply by themselves Set policies- public policy Makes budgets Interacts with other communities Enforce laws

Levels of Government National government. Where is it located? State Government Local Government School Government Who leads this?

Democratic Government Democracy: Type of government where the people rule. Direct Democracy: All citizens meet to make all decisions first hand with votes. Representative Democracy: The citizens choose smaller groups to represent them and make decisions for them. Dictatorship: Government controlled by one person or a small group of people

Majority Rule When not everyone agrees on a topic, the decision goes in the direction in which most people want. Most people is one more than half!

Chapter 1 section 2

Who are American Citizens?? Anyone “born or naturalized in the United States” 1. Born in any of the 50 states of US territories. 2. Born anywhere but at least one parent is a US citizen 3. Naturalized

What is the Naturalization Process? Must sign a statement declaring desire to become a citizen of the U.S. Must live in U.S. for at least 5 years, unless married to a U.S. citizen which cuts the wait to 3 years. Must be 18 and live in State for 3 months before filing application to become a citizen. Interview Citizenship Exam Ceremony where Oath is taken and document signed.

Can anyone come to the U.S.? The United States restricts who can enter the country. Only about 75,000 a year are accepted to enter the country. Despite immigration limits about 5-6 million illegal immigrants live in the U.S. If discovered they more than likely would be deported- sent back to their country.