Introduction to Civics Chapter 1 Notes Introduction to Civics

Being an American Citizen Citizens have many rights and responsibilities. Citizenship includes being a productive and active member of society. Ex. As a member of family, at school, at work, in you city or town. In U.S. you are citizens of both you country and your state. Being effective as a citizen means fulfilling duties and responsibilities as a member of each of these groups. Being involved in government is the best way to improve our communities and countries.

American Values Liberty Equality “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…” Means people are equal under the law. Every citizens rights are equal to those of every other citizen. Ex. Right to seek an education, to choose a job/career and equal opportunity to secure it. Liberty The ability to pursue your desires without fear of the government. Ex. Religion, Speech, Education, Travel, Starting a Business Justice Police are given the power to prevent others from taking your rights. Courts are there to punish those who do infringe on your rights. As long as you follow the laws of you community, state, country your rights cannot be taken from you. Civic duty- the willingness to protect the rights of others.

Qualities of a Good Citizen Responsible family members Respect and obey laws Respect the rights and property of others Loyal and proud of their country Take part in and improve life in community Take an active part in their government (ex. Voting) Use natural resources wisely Are informed on key issues and willing to take a stand on these issues Believe in equal opportunity for all people Respect individual differences, points of view and ways of life that are different from their own

The Census Is an official, periodic counting of a population. Is conducted every 10 years. U.S population in 2010 was 308,745,538. Estimations from the 2000 census projected a population increase to close to 310,000,000. Demographics- is the study of characteristics of human population. Ex. Ethnicity, children per family, pets owned etc. Government, businesses, and even families use the census to plan. Natural increase in population occurs when the birth rate is higher than the death rate. Since 1820, more than 60 million immigrants have come to America, those immigrants and their descendants make up most of today’s population.

Households have changed over the years, increased divorce rate has cause more single parent households, families having fewer children or waiting longer to have them, people live longer and can take better care of selves in old age. All these changes have shrunk the size of the average household. The majority of women work outside the house and more women enter college than men today. American population is getting older, in 2000 13% of population lived to 65 or older. Population is more diverse than ever. 1800’s farm workers began to migrate to cities for jobs in factories.(industrial revolution) 1900’s Americans began migrating from cities to suburbs.(Automobiles) 1950’s Americans migrated from Northeast and Midwest to Sunbelt(N.C. south across to Southern California)