1. Citizenship

2. Take a Guess…. What does it mean to be a citizen? How about a United States citizen??? What kind of rights to we have a U.S. citizens? Finally, discuss whether or not you believe we have certain RESPONSIBILITIES as U.S. Citizens….

3. Role of U.S. Citizens A citizen is a legal member of a nation and pledges loyalty to that nation. AS U.S. Citizens, we have rights that are guaranteed to us in the Constitution These rights come with responsibilities like obeying laws/rules, and voting

4. Democratic Citizenship Three R’s of Democratic Citizenship Reason-Thoughtfulness, Good judgment Respect-for people, others perspective Responsibility-for actions, community, nation, mankind Can you think of other ideas that could fit into Reason, Respect, and Responsibility?? Think of one for each as a group…

5. Active Citizenship What does it mean to be an “Active” citizen???? How can you be an “Active” citizen in your OWN community???

6. How does one become a citizen of the United States???? Birth-Born to parents that are U.S. Citizens Naturalization-The process in which a non-U.S. Citizen applies to become naturalized

7. Naturalization Process Must be 18—Parents applying for naturalization automatically naturalize their children UNDER 18 Enter U.S. legally Live in U.S. for 5 years as a permanent resident BEFORE application submitted Read, write, speak in English Show knowledge of American history and pass a Naturalization Examination (you will take one and see how well you would do!)

8. Your Rights Basic Freedoms-Religion/Speech/Press Protection from Unfair Government Actions-Rights to Bear Arms/Unreasonable Search and Seizure Equal Treatment Under the Law-Right to vote (Women/Men/All Ethnicities). No Slavery. Disability Act 1990-Protects their rights.

9. Your Responsibilities Citizens must carry out important responsibilities if the United States is to remain the most democratic and successful country in the world Under 18-Behavior/Education/Family Over 18-Voting/Jury Duty All Ages-Pay Taxes/Informed about issues/Volunteering in community

10. How to Stay Informed Part of becoming a responsible citizen is learning how to stay informed with what is going on in your community, the nation, and the world. Can you think of some ways you could stay informed???

11. Staying Informed Watch-TV/CNN STUDENT NEWS Listen-Speeches/News Read-Newspapers/Internet Evaluate –You must be able to make your own judgments based upon the information you are exposed to Communicate-In order to bring change to you community, active citizens communicate with each other and their public officials

12. How to get involved and make decisions in your Community Can you think of ways you could get involved in your community? What are some issues you think you could help make better?

13. Steps to Making an Informed Decision Identify the Problem-What is your goal? What are you trying to solve/make better? Gather Information Analyze the Information-What is best way to solve problem? Consider Options (Best to have at least 3 options to compare/evaluate) Choose a Solution-Which one will work best?? Many things to consider Implement the Solution-Take Action! Evaluate the Solution-Review Results. Adjust?