1. Citizenship and the Naturalization Process

2. Who is a Citizen???
A citizen is any person with certain rights and duties under the government.
What makes you a citizen???
You were born in the United States or a U.S. territory
One of your parents is an American citizen when you were born…no matter where you were born
You have been naturalized

3. What is naturalization???
Naturalization means you have gone through the process of becoming a citizen.
Once the process is complete you have all the rights and duties of citizens by birth EXCEPT to be the President or Vice President.
It is a lengthy process to become an American citizen through naturalization.

4. The Naturalization Process
Turn to page 57 of your textbook…
Step One: Application
Step Two: Examination
Step Three: Final Hearing
Step One: Application
Submits application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

5. Naturalization Continued
Step Two: Examination
18 or older
Lived in US for at least 5 years
Good moral character (example: not convicted of a crime)
Loyalty to the principles of the US Constitution
Read, write, and speak English
Knowledge of US History and govt.
Step Three: Final Hearing
USCIS responds to application
Take oath of loyalty
Receives certificate of citizenship.

6. The Important Role of the Citizen
The office of citizen
The gov’t receives its power from the citizens of the United States.
Citizens have the power to change the government.
We lend our power to representatives to represent us in making the laws that we have to follow. (Representative form of gov’t)

7. The Individual
As an individual we have many roles that we play in society.
Everyday roles: son, daughter, sister, brother,
Social roles: roles that people play in real life (usually outside of our household)
Citizen roles: being informed about an upcoming election, watching the news, reading the newspaper, attending a debate or town meeting.
What are some other roles that you play in society?

8. Roles Continued Overlapping Roles Conflicting Roles
When and how do roles overlap?
Conflicting Roles
What should you think about when your roles overlap?

9. What is the Citizen’s Role
Active Citizen
Contribute to the common good
Run for office
Volunteer on a campaign or on a committee
Being informed about the gov’t
Voting
Donate money
Volunteering with church, youth, or elderly organizations
What are some other ways that citizens can contribute to the common good?