THE BASIS OF CITIZENSHIP

Essential Question What concepts define the meaning of democracy as expressed in the United States constitutional system?

Fundamental concepts of democracy Fundamental worth and dignity of the individual: All persons are entitled to life, liberty, and due process under the law. Equality: All persons are entitled to equal rights and treatment under the law. Majority rule: The will of the majority as expressed through elections is fundamental to the American system.

Fundamental concepts of democracy Minority rights: The Constitution of the United States protects the rights of the few from oppression. Compromise: The structure of the United States government necessitates compromise by all sides. Individual freedom: All persons are born free, equal, and independent.

What is Citizenship? Citizenship: - The rights, privileges and responsibilities accorded to a legal citizen of a political society such as a nation. - A citizen is one who governs, and in turn is governed under the laws of that society.

Citizenship Status A strong national government requires a strong national citizenry behind it. Citizenship is not part of the Constitution. There are no degrees of U.S. citizenship. You are either a full citizen or a non-citizen. - You are first a U.S. citizen and secondly, a citizen of your state. Dual citizenship is not provided for under the Constitution.

Citizenship Status (cont’d) U.S. citizenship is a covenant, not a contract. U.S. citizenship is exclusive and can be lost only by voluntarily renouncing it or by violating provisions of the Constitution.

Responsibilities of a Citizen Know your rights Follow the law Participate in the political process Vote; serve on juries; serve in the military, or do other national volunteer service (e.g. Peace Corps)

Immigrant: A person who comes to a country to live there with the intent to eventually become a permanent citizen.

How does one acquire U.S. citizenship?

By Birth jus soli = Law of Soil Born within the U.S., its territories, or any of its possessions, or within a U.S. embassy. Includes children born of illegal immigrants, travelers and legal aliens while in the U.S. or its possessions.

Through Relation Jus sanguinus = Law of blood Born in a foreign country with both parents being U.S. citizens… - OR - If only 1 parent is a citizen, then he/she must have lived on U.S. territory for at least five years, 2 of those after age 14.

Through Naturalization Qualifications: Enter the U.S. legally 5 year minimum residency requirement Show good moral character Ability to read, write, and speak English Pass a test 0n U.S. Government and History Declare support of our government by taking an oath of loyalty

How can you lose your U.S. citizen-ship?

Voluntarily Expatriation Giving up your right to be a U.S. citizen in order to be a citizen or resident of another country.

Acts of Rebellion or Treason Participation in treason or rebellion against the U.S. - Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis lost their citizenship after the Civil War

INVOLUNTARY LOSS Denaturalization- - A court order by which a naturalized citizen is stripped of their citizenship for a serious offense and deported.

Denaturalization Causes Fraud or deception after being naturalized (e.g. marriages of convenience) Lying on citizenship application Joining a communist party within 5 years of becoming a U.S. citizen Swearing allegiance, or failing to renounce allegiance, to another nation

WHO ARE NOT U.S. CITIZENS?

Aliens: Those who live in the country on a temporary basis, approved by the U.S. government, but is not a citizen, or those here illegally for any reason.

Alien Categories Resident alien: Non–resident alien: Has established a permanent residence with the goal of becoming a citizen. Non–resident alien: A foreigner permitted to be here for a short time for a specific reason: guest worker; college student; vacationer; embassy worker; businessman.

Illegal Alien- Someone who has entered the country illegally or overstayed their visa. They can be DEPORTED! - These people are often referred to as “undocumented aliens”

Refugee: People who flee their country due to political oppression or economic hardship. They have no permanent status Enemy alien: A person of a nation with whom we are at war.

The End