1. What does it mean to be a citizen?
CITIZENSHIP
What does it mean to be a citizen?

2. Who is considered a citizen based on the 14th Amendment?
The U.S. Constitution as ratified in 1789 did not include a definition of U.S. citizenship, but the Constitution mentioned citizenship several times. A formal definition of U.S. citizenship was added to the Constitution when the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. – U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Section 1 (1868)
Who is considered a citizen based on the 14th Amendment?

3. CITIZENS
Citizenship means being a member of a country and having full rights and responsibilities under that country’s law.
Citizenship is given to:
Anyone who is born in the United States.
Anyone who is an immigrant who has gone through the naturalization process.

4. CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
Law of Soil = A person is born in the United States, in one of its territories, or on a U.S. military base. This method of becoming a citizen does not require the person’s mother or father to be a U.S. citizen

5. CITIZENSHIP BY BLOOD
Law of Blood = a person’s birth parents are U.S. citizens. This means that U.S. citizenship is passed to the child from the natural mother or father.
How does the Law of Soil provide citizenship?
How does the Law of Blood provide citizenship?

6. How is citizenship obtained?

7. Why do you think the Naturalization process is important to have?
If you weren’t born in the U.S. and neither of your parents are U.S. citizens you can still become a citizen through a process called naturalization.
 This is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or immigrant.
Why do you think the Naturalization process is important to have?

8. NATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify, applicants must meet 6 requirements:
The person must be at least 18 years old.
The person must have been a permanent resident of the United States for 5 years.
The person must have good character (no criminal past)
The person must speak English.
The person must pass a civics test and an interview.
The person must take an Oath of Allegiance swearing loyalty to the United States and our Constitution.
Which requirement do you think is most important? Why?
Which requirement do you think is least important? Why?

9. Why do you think this shortcut exists?
There is one shortcut: People who serve in the U.S. military for at least one year can become citizens sooner because they have demonstrated their commitment to the United States.
Why do you think this shortcut exists?

10. All About U.S. Citizens At least 18 Born in the U.S Resident for 5 yrs
White male
property owners.
Born in the U.S
Resident for 5 yrs
African-American
Good character
Speak English
Pass test & interview
Take Oath of Allegiance
Native American
African Americans
A parent is a U.S. citizen
Asians
Women
Native Americans
Deep bond
or love
Vote in Federal Elections
Run for Federal office
Serve on a jury
Obey the law
loyal
The crime of
betraying your country
Voting
Serve on a Jury
The Star Spangled Banner
Freedom of expression
Freedom of assembly
No unreasonable searches
Said by Americans to show loyalty to the flag & country
Register w/ Selective Services
July 4th

11. What are the obligations of citizens?
CITIZENSHIP
What are the obligations of citizens?

12. OBLIGATIONS OBLIGATIONS Obey Laws Pay Taxes Defend the Nation
As citizens, we have obligations – things we are required to do. Often these are also called Civic Duties
We must fulfill obligations required by national, state, and local governments or face fines or imprisonment.
OBLIGATIONS
Obey Laws
Pay Taxes
Defend the Nation
Serve in Court
Attend School

13. How do laws help citizens?
OBEY THE LAWS
Serve specific purposes, such as to help people get along, prevent accidents, and see that resources are used fairly
How do laws help citizens?

14. How do taxes help people in the United States?
PAY TAXES
Government uses tax money to pay police, pave roads, and maintain armed forces. People pay a percentage of what they bring in, or on the sale of goods or even property.
How do taxes help people in the United States?

15. Do you think this is important? Why?
DEFEND THE NATION
In the U.S. all men aged must register with Selective Services in case the country needs to draft, or call up men for military service; today military service is voluntary.
Failing to register is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years, or a combination of both.
Do you think this is important? Why?

16. Why do you think this is important? Why?
SERVE IN COURT
Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury or as a witness at a trial if called to do so.
Why do you think this is important? Why?

17. ATTEND SCHOOL
Most states require young people to attend school until the age of 16.
In Florida at age 16 a child may file a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the district school board. The declaration must be signed by the child and the child's parent or legal guardian.
Floridians who drop out of school won’t be able to get a driver’s license before they turn 18.
Do you think its fair to keep those who drop out from getting their driver’s license?

18. SUMMARIZING
Use your notes to complete the summary on civic obligations.
All citizens have ____________________ that are required to be done. Sometimes these are called ________________________.
The five main ones are _________________, _______________,
____________________, ________________, and __________.
Failing to do these will result in ___________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

19. What are responsibilities of citizens?
CITIZENSHIP
What are responsibilities of citizens?

20. RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES
As community members, we have many responsibilities. These are things citizens do voluntarily to help, or better, their community, state, and country.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Be Informed
2. Speak up & Vote
3. Respect other’s rights
4. Respect Diversity
5. Contribute to the Common Good

21. What could you be doing more of to become a more informed citizen?
BE INFORMED
Know what the government is doing so that you can voice your
opinion.
People can learn about issues and leaders by reading print
publications, listening to news on the radio or T.V., talking to
people, and searching the internet
Be aware of your rights
What could you be doing more of to become a more informed citizen?

22. SPEAK UP & VOTE How could speaking up and voting affect citizens?
Remember, the government exists to serve you, but you must
make your concerns known.
Calling, writing, or sending s to your elected
representatives; joining political parties; working for a cause
Most importantly VOTE!
How could speaking up and voting affect citizens?

23. Why is respecting other’s property important?
RESPECT OTHER’S RIGHTS
People must respect public property and the property of others.
Vandalizing and littering are not only disrespectful but also a
crime.
Why is respecting other’s property important?

24. How does tolerance and diversity help a community?
RESPECT DIVERSITY
Although we may disagree with people or disapprove of their
lifestyles, these people have an equal right to their beliefs and
practices
Tolerance means respecting and accepting others, regardless of
their beliefs, practices, or differences.
Diversity in our country is a strength, all citizens are equal and
entitled to be treated the same.
How does tolerance and diversity help a community?

25. How can you contribute to the common good?
The Common Good is the benefit or interests of all.
Contributing time, effort, and money to help others and to improve
the community life.
Be an active participant in your community
How can you contribute to the common good?

26. SUMMARIZING
Use your notes to complete the summary on civic responsibilities.
All citizens have ____________________ that are voluntary tasks that are done to help their _______________________________. Five essential responsibilities are _________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
I believe the most important responsibility is _________________
because_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.