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Civics and Citizenship Civics is the study of what is means to be a U.S. citizen - a legally recognized member of the country. A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties under a government. The word civics comes from the Latin civis, meaning “citizen.” A democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens. Living in the United States doesn't automatically make one an American citizen. Residents of the United States can be aliens, or citizens. Aliens: Aliens are people who have left (emigrated) a foreign country to the United States legally. They have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in elections. Citizens: Persons born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizens in foreign countries are citizens of the United States. Persons born in other countries who want to become citizens must apply for and pass a citizenship test. Those who become citizens in this manner are naturalized citizens. Citizens of the U.S. enjoy all of the freedoms, protections, and legal rights which the Constitution promises. The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America defines citizenship: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.” 1. Birth 2. Naturalization Sources of Citizenship Born in any state. Born outside of the U.S. but one or both parents are U.S. citizen The process by which people from foreign countries become U.S. citizens Becoming a U.S. Citizen: Naturalization Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century, have led to an increasingly diverse society. There are three steps in this process: 1. File an application. The application asks for biographical information about the person. The person has his or her fingerprints taken, and provides photographs and legal documents. 2. Take a naturalization examination. The examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. government and history. The applicant must also pass an English test. 3. Appear for a court hearing. The applicant appears before a judge and asks to become a U.S. citizen. The judge will listen to the applicant’s reasons and will decide on naturalization. To become a citizen, or to be naturalized, a person must meet certain requirements: Be at least 18 years old Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S. Be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history, government structure and the Constitution of the U.S. Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Create a flow chart of the naturalization process. Be sure to include the requirements for citizenship. Live in the U.S. for 5 years and turn 18 Come to the United States Learn English and study U.S. history and government Take an Oath of Allegiance File an application Appear before a judge Take the citizenship and English tests; prove that you are a good person Civics and Citizenship (CE.3a) Civics is the study of what is means to be a U.S. citizen. Living in the United States doesn't automatically make one an American citizen Residents of the United States can be aliens, or citizens. Alien People who have left (emigrated) a foreign country and come to the United States legally. Have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in elections. Citizen Legally recognized member of a country Has certain rights and duties under a government. Citizens of the U.S. enjoy all of the freedoms, protections, and legal rights which the Constitution promises. Becoming a U.S. Citizen: Naturalization 1st File an application The application asks for biographical information about the person. The person has his or her fingerprints taken, and provides photographs and legal documents. 2nd Take a naturalization examination The examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. government and history. The applicant must also pass an English test. 3rd Appear for a court hearing The applicant appears before a judge and asks to become a U.S. citizen. The judge will listen to the applicant’s reasons and will decide on naturalization. A democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens. Ways for citizens to participate in community service Volunteer to support democratic institutions: League of Women Voters Elections Legislatures Express concern about the welfare of the community: Environment Public Health Safety Education Personal traits of good citizens Trustworthiness and honesty Courtesy and respect for the rights of others Responsibility, accountability and self reliance Respect for the law Help to make the community a good place to live and work by: Tutoring Volunteering Patriotism Traits of a Responsible Citizen Begins with— trustworthiness and honesty Includes— courtesy and respect for the rights of others Coexisting with— the practice of responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance Resulting in— respect for the law and patriotism The character traits of good citizens interrelate and lead to a society that is better for all citizens. Name a famous American who has shown each of these traits: 1. Trustworthiness and honesty 2. Courtesy and respect for the rights of others. 3. Responsibility, accountability and self-reliance 4. Respect for the law 5. Patriotism Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship Citizenship is not free. For our society to function, citizens must contribute to the common good. Duties of Citizenship Certain actions are the duty of all citizens. These duties are the "musts" of citizenship. That is, all U.S. citizens are required by law to perform these actions. The duties required of all citizens are described in the Constitution and in the laws of the country and the states. Obeying the law Our system of government can work only if citizens respect and obey the laws. Attending school Education helps ensure that citizens have the skills necessary to join the workforce and promote economic growth. Paying taxes Taxes pay for the many different services provided by the government Serving in the armed forces Draft laws require men meeting certain age and other qualifications to serve in the military Appearing in court If called, citizens must report to serve as members of a jury and must also testify in court if called as witnesses A DUTY YOU MUST DO! Responsibilities of Citizens In addition to the duties of citizenship, Americans have many responsibilities of citizenship. These responsibilities are the "shoulds" of citizenship. That is, although citizens are not required by law to carry out these actions, most Americans accept these responsibilities. They recognize that these are important to the success of the country and the well-being of the people. Voting By voting, each citizen plays a part in deciding who the leaders of government will be. Being informed Citizens should stay informed about current events so that they can better understand important issues. Taking part in government The quality of any democratic government depends on the quality of the people who serve in it. Helping your community Citizens should be willing to give their time to help improve their neighborhood, town, or city. Respecting and protecting others’ rights The success of the United States depends on the protection of the rights of citizens. All Americans must take part in defending human rights. A responsibility you SHOULD do! Purposes of Government o o o Why do we need a government? What does the government do for us? What services does the government provide?