Civics The Meaning of Citizenship

What Is Civics? The study of what it means to be an American citizen. A citizen is a person with certain rights and responsibilities under a government.

You Are an American Citizen if: 1.You’re born in the U.S. or one of its territories. 2.At least one of your parents was a US citizen when you were born. 3.You have been naturalized. Naturalized – you have gone through the process of becoming a citizen. Citizenship Test

Naturalization Apply  Examination  Final Hearing Applicants must prove: 18+; legal resident for 5+ years, in state for 3+ months. Good moral character Loyalty to principles in US constitution. Read, write & speak English. Knowledge of history & form of government of the US. Naturalization Self Test

Why Become Naturalized? If you are not a citizen, you cannot vote or hold government office. You would be considered an alien. Alien – a citizen of one country who lives in another country. If you have children under 18, they will automatically become citizens.

Naturalized Citizens Have all the rights and duties of citizens by birth EXCEPT the right to be President or Vice-President. You will remain a citizen unless: You decide to give up citizenship. You are convicted of trying to overthrow the US government by force. List of Denaturalized CitizensFacebook Founder Renunciation Lose Citizenship

Rights of Citizens American citizens have the right to: Vote and hold elected office. Say what they think in speech or writing. Practice their own religion. Right to a fair trial. Our rights are guaranteed to us by our Constitution and protected by our laws and courts.

Can Your Rights Ever Be Denied? Page 60 Korematsu v. United States (1944) Issue: Does the government have the right to limit the civil rights of certain Americans during national emergencies? What does the Supreme Court decide?

Duties of Citizens Duties are required. Duties include: Obeying the laws. Defending the nation. Serving on a jury or as a witness in court. Paying taxes. Attending school. Rule of Law – concept of government of laws. No individual is above the law. Officials must base their opinion on law, not personal opinion.

Serving on a Jury Our Constitution guarantees that anyone accused of a crime may have the case decided by a jury of peers. Jury of Peers – a group of ordinary citizens who hear the case and decide whether the accused person is innocent or guilty. The judge will then handle the sentencing based on the jury’s decision.

Responsibilities of Citizens Responsibilities are voluntary. As citizens, we should: Work toward the common good. We should contribute to the well-being of all members of society. Vote. Hold government office. Participate in election campaigns. Influence the government. Serve the community.