1. An understanding of the duties of citizenship
What is Civics?
An understanding of the duties of citizenship
Michael Quinones, NBCT

2. APK: Activation of Prior Knowledge Write at least 2-3 sentences describing a time when…
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you wondered or thought about how the United States came to be the way it is [talk about your opinion of the country too].
Question of the Day
What is Civics and why is it important for citizens to understand it?

3. Term Notes/Definitions/Examples Why/how I think the term is important?
Civics
Citizens
Right
Duty
Government
Democracy
Republic
Dictatorship
Citizenship
Allegiance
E Pluribus Unum
Immigration
Patriotism

4. Civics
What is Civics?
The study of the rights and duties of a country’s citizens.
Such as [examples]?
Right: Freedom of action [voting, religion]. A privilege a citizen is granted at birth or after they become a new citizen. Can only be lost if you commit a very serious crime.
Duty/Responsibility: Serve on juries [jury duty], defend country in the military [males must register for Selective Service]. A legal responsibility a citizen must honor or face jail and fines.
Patriotism is the love and honor of one’s country.
This brave soldier risked his life in support of his country. Anyone who does such an act is considered a patriot because he loves his country.

5. Citizens
“Official members” of a country are called citizens: natural born or naturalized.
These members have rights and duties.
In the U.S. most duties and rights available after age 18.
Citizens of a country must swear allegiance [loyalty] and protect and defend it against foreign countries if necessary

6. Government
What is it?
An organization with the power to make and enforce rules.
Some examples of types of governments include:
Democracy: Controlled by the will of the majority of people. All of the citizens participate in making the laws.
Republic: A country that has leaders who are chosen by its citizens and make laws to protect them.
Dictatorship: Controlled by the will of one or a few people.

7. Citizenship
The United States was founded [created and started] by immigrants and sons of immigrants.
What are immigrants?
People who came from somewhere else and settled in a new country.
Most early American immigrants came from Europe [England, France, Germany, Ireland, Scotland and Spain] to America.
The United States’ motto pays respect to its different origins [ancestors and beginnings]
E Pluribus Unum
Out of many, one
Most immigrants eventually shed [got rid of] their ties to old countries to give loyalty to the United States.
People from all over the world come to the United States to enjoy the best quality of life in the world.

8. Sources http://www.waukeganschools.org/files/students/Civics.gif