1. Chapter 3 – The Meaning of Citizenship
Civics
Chapter 3 – The Meaning of Citizenship

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. The Office of the Citizen
We have a government “of the people, by the people, (and) for the people.” – A. Lincoln
Our government is based on concept of “consent of the governed”.
Citizens have the power to decide what the government will and will not do.
Imagine if each citizen had a true say-so in governmental decisions.
What problems could arise?
Instead, we elect representatives.
Representatives – people who are chosen to speak and act for their fellow citizens in government.

8. 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 based on the beliefs and values Americans share: equal respect, freedom, equality, and justice.
Guaranteed to us by our Constitution and protected by our laws and courts.

9. 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?

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Our Other Roles in Society
Social roles – roles people play in real life.
Seven social roles:
Consumer
Citizen
Family member
Student
Worker
Social group member
Friend
Why do we play these roles?
We choose them, have to play them or are born into them.

14. Roles as Expected Behaviors
What determines how you behave in these roles?
How you want to play the role;
what other people expect; and
the kind of person you are.

15. The Citizen Role Active Participants
How can students be active citizens?
Contributing to the Common Good
The contributions of adults and teenagers may differ.
How can teens contribute to the common good?
Setting Priorities for Citizenship
Is being an active citizen a priority for you?