1. Citizenship handbook
Section

2. Amending the constitution
Even though the framers of the Constitution were happy with it when it was completed, they understood immediately that some things needed to be added
1791 – Bill of Rights
Article 5 of the Constitution explains the process needed to amend the Constitution

3. The Amendment Process This is a two step process
It begins in either the Congress with 2/3 vote or a National Convention in which 2/3 of state legislatures ask for it
It is ratified by either ¾ of state legislatures or conventions of ¾ of the states

4. What does all of this mean?
How many times have we changed the Constitution since 1787?
How many times have we changed it since 1791?
Does this seem like an easy process?
Why is that?

5. The first Amendment Five basic freedoms: Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom of press
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of petition

6. State & Local Government
Anything not mentioned in the Constitution is left to the states and local governments by the principle of federalism
State governments are set up just as the federal government

7. Local governments Henry County Village of Annawan

8. Rights & responsibilities of citizens
You become a U.S. citizen by:
You were born here or have at least one parent who is a citizen
You were naturalized:
a. live in the U.S. for five years
b. you apply for citizenship
c. take a exam
d. undergo interviews
e. swear oath to Constitution and laws of U.S.
You were 18 years or younger when you parents became naturalized

9. Rights & responsibility
Examples of rights would include everything in the Constitution, state rights, and local freedoms too
Responsibilities include:
serving in the military if called
serving on juries
paying taxes
obeying laws
voting
serving in the community
staying informed on issues