1. Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution, 1787–Present
The American Nation
Chapter 8 – Section 5
Rights and
Responsibilities of Citizenship
Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution, 1787–Present
Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.

2. Things to understand when taking notes…
Key Terms
Qualifications of a citizen?
How do you become a citizen?
Rights of citizens? – Protected in Bill of Rights?
What is civic virtue?
Explain the 4 Democratic values…
6 Responsibilities of citizens?

3. Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Chapter 8, Section 5
What makes a person a citizen of the United States?
How can Americans develop democratic values?
What are the responsibilities of citizenship?

4. I. What Is a Citizen?
Chapter 8, Section 5
A. A citizen is a person who owes loyalty to a particular nation and is entitled to all its rights and protections.
B. To be a United States citizen:
You were born in the United States or at least one parent is a citizen.
You were naturalized, that is, you have completed the official legal process for becoming a citizen. (What does this include?)
Many immigrants—people who enter another country to settle there—become naturalized citizens.
First, immigrants may have permission to stay in the country as resident aliens, or noncitizens living in the country.
You were 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized.

5. II. Steps to Citizenship
Establish 5-year residency.
Apply for citizenship:
- By submitting an application and fee
- Getting fingerprinted for background checks
3. Go through the interview process:
- Take English and civics test
- Answer questions about background and character
4. Take Oath of Alliegance

6. III. Democratic Values Basic Values Such as honesty and compassion
Chapter 8, Section 5
Basic Values
Such as honesty and compassion
Patriotism
A feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country; inspires Americans to serve their nation
Respect
For ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and other members of our community
Responsibility
Both personal and public responsibility; responsibility for ourselves and the consequences of our actions
Physical and moral courage; doing the right thing even when it is unpopular, difficult, or dangerous
Civic Virtue—a willingness to work for the good of the nation or community even at great sacrifice.

7. IV. Responsibilities of Citizenship
Chapter 8, Section 5
Voting
Citizens must study the candidates and issues in order to make responsible choices.
Obeying the laws
We give the government the power to make laws for us, so we have a duty to obey the laws.
Defending the nation
Citizens must help defend the nation against threats to its peace or security, such as by serving in the military.
Serving the community
Many citizens offer their time and talents to improve their communities and help others.
Being informed
Citizens cannot protect their rights unless they know what they are and stay informed.
Serving on a jury
Citizens must take time out from their work and personal lives for jury duty, serving on a jury when called.

8. Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 8, Section 5
One democratic value is moral courage, which means
a) doing the right thing even when it is unpopular.
b) showing a feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country.
c) respecting the property of others.
d) serving the nation even at great risk to oneself.
Because the Bill of Rights guarantees a right to trial by jury, responsible citizens will
a) register for jury duty at age 18.
b) enlist in the military without being called.
c) take jury duty seriously and serve when called.
d) study the candidates before voting for a jury.
Want to connect to the American Nation link for this section? Click here.

9. Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 8, Section 5
One democratic value is moral courage, which means
a) doing the right thing even when it is unpopular.
b) showing a feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country.
c) respecting the property of others.
d) serving the nation even at great risk to oneself.
Because the Bill of Rights guarantees a right to trial by jury, responsible citizens will
a) register for jury duty at age 18.
b) enlist in the military without being called.
c) take jury duty seriously and serve when called.
d) study the candidates before voting for a jury.
Want to connect to the American Nation link for this section? Click here.