What does it mean to be a U.S. citizen? Anticipatory set Born in the USA playing on loop as students enter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4

AGENDA March 13/14, 2012 Today’s topics: Two views of citizenship John Mayer vs. Billy Joel U.S. citizenship Benefits & Responsibilities of U.S. citizenship Immigration & Citizenship USCIS Civics Test (Naturalization Test) Homework: Find a song that criticizes a public policy Answer questions 1-18 of USCIS Civics Test

When it comes to government… will you be the Windshield or the Bug? Two Views of Citizenship When it comes to government… will you be the Windshield or the Bug? Today we’re going to talk about two views of citizenship [click] There’s a song that says “Sometimes you're the windshield, Sometimes you're the bug.” What does that mean to you? How does it relate to the study of government? Which would you want to be? Why? [Teacher uses prompts above to foster discussion] Those poor bugs don’t have any choice when it comes to their lot in life, but when we’re talking about our government and public policies, you get to choose. Actually, to be accurate -- the people who participate get to choose. So today we’re going to start talking about whether you want to make the decisions or let others decide for you. Do you want to help decide if we spend our tax dollars on schools or prisons, or do you want to let your neighbors make that choice for you? What are some other choices we face as a nation/society/community? vs.

Two Views of Citizenship John Mayer Before we start, I have to admit I have a bias. Anyone want to guess who I think is the bigger tool? [Teacher names John Mayer] Anyone know why I don’t like John Mayer? [Teacher does not answer/confirm, but indicates the answer will come from the next activity] We’re going to listen to and analyze 2 songs today in order to begin exploring this idea of active citizenship. [Teacher hands out Media Analysis Worksheet, then plays songs, then leads discussion based on worksheet Q&A] Can you think of a song you know that tries to support or change government policy by criticizing, critiquing, supporting, etc.? For tomorrow, you each need to come up with one song that seeks to support or change public policy. Billy Joel

Classroom Ground Rules Keep the classroom a Safe Space for everyone Be here to listen, learn and participate Respect other peoples’ property Take care of each other Reminder of Classroom Ground Rules SAFE SPACE

What does it mean to be a U.S. citizen? Benefits & Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship [teacher hands out “Benefits & Responsibilities” worksheet, leads class through discussion] Teacher calls on students to name rights and/or responsibilities Point out that most rights (in Constitution) belong to “all people” and not exclusively to US citizens Benefits Responsibilities Voting voting Bring family to US serve on jury Citizenship for kids selective service (males) US passport pay taxes Federal jobs obey the laws Serve in elective office attend school NOTE: Rights & Responsibilities are drawn from USCIS and textbook

What does it mean to be a U.S. citizen? How can a person become a U.S. citizen? (Hint: see the 14th amendment) (Hint: involves taking an oath) Birth Naturalization

Who is born a U.S. citizen? Is Barack Obama a “natural born Citizen” as required in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5? What about John McCain? George Romney? (Mitt’s father; ran for president in 1968) US Citizenship and Immigration Services says: “Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens: If you were born in the United States: If you were born abroad to TWO U.S. citizens: If you were born abroad to ONE U.S. citizen: [click] Is President Obama a “natural born Citizen” as required in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5? [click] What about John McCain? Read from Fact Checker How about Mitt Romney’s father (ran for president in 1968)? Read Oregonian News Q&A What does it mean to be “born a U.S. citizen?” [teacher solicits replies from class] [Q: Is it defined in the U.S. Constitution? A: No] So then it comes from law or court rulings. And according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of the US Department of Homeland Security: [click through]

Immigration What are the images used in this cartoon? [donkey, elephant, broken down vehicle, etc.] What does this cartoonist seem to suggest about changing immigration laws? Distribute American Citizenship worksheet (copied on back of Direct students to work independently [5 minutes] Class discussion

Naturalization Naturalization Tests: Speaking Test Reading Test Writing Test Civics Test What do you think – should it be easy or hard for people to become naturalized US citizens? [teacher uses “Study for the Test” page to go over each requirement] Do you think you could pass the Civics Test required for people to become naturalized US citizens? Do you think we should have some additional requirement(s) for people who are born US citizens? Like what? [teacher hands out “U.S. Citizenship Test” and begins discussion]

U.S. Citizenship test Sit together with group One person at a time comes up from each group Take turns -- Each person must participate Raise your hand to be recognized Shouting out an answer before being recognized will result in a point being awarded to the other team Winning side gets extra credit

Homework Before you leave Pick up your belongings & any trash CR-Economics Before you leave Pick up your belongings & any trash Straighten desks Homework Find a song that criticizes a public policy Answer questions 1-18 of USCIS Civics Test