Citizenship in the United States

SSCG7 The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions.

Citizenship in the United States – NATURAL BORN

JUS SOLI Right of soil If born in the

U.S., then you are a U.S. citizen

JUS SANGUINIS Right of blood If parents are

citizens, then you are

How do you become a citizen of the United States?NATURALIZATION 5 years resident in the U.S. (3 if

married to a U.S. citizen) Read, write, and speak English

(unless they are over 50 years of age and have lived in the US for at least 20 years)

Good moral character Understanding of American

History and Government

What is the Process to become a Naturalized Citizen?

File declaration of intent with the Attorney General

Submit petition Investigation and testing Oath NATURALIZED CITIZEN

Could you pass the test?

Non-CitizensAn alien is a person who lives in a country where he

or she is not a citizen. There are five categories:

1. Resident Aliens—a person from a foreign nation who has established legal residency (a Green Card), but is not a citizen.

2. Non-resident aliens—a foreigner who expects to stay in the US for a short, specified period of time (foreign exchange student)

3. Enemy aliens—a citizen of a nation with whom the US is at war.

4. Refugees—those who have fled their country to escape persecution or danger

5. Illegal Aliens—a person who lives in the US without a legal permit, passport, visa or entry permit, or one whose papers have expired.

Losing Citizenship

This can occur in three ways:1. Expatriation—renouncing

one’s citizenship to become a citizen of a foreign country…

2. Treason—participating in a rebellion against the US or attempting to overthrow the government through violent means…

3. Denaturalization—obtaining US citizenship through fraud or joining a communist or totalitarian organization less than five years after becoming a citizen.

What do good citizens do? Obey laws Pay taxes Serve on a jury Participate in the political process

(vote) Perform public service (get involved) Register for military service (Selective

Service) Stay informed on current issues Respect differing opinions (ideologies)

Participating in Government

Citizens can PARTICIPATE, by…

Voting—the legitimacy of the US government depends upon “the consent of the governed”…

Campaigning or working for a political party or movement…

Writing letters to the editor of a newspaper or magazine about political issues…

Protesting the actions of the government in a legal and orderly manner.

Obeying the Law Laws are passed to make citizens safe

and must be followed if the society is going to work.

Laws set guidelines for personal behavior, business practices, elections, and even operation of cars.

They reduce areas of uncertainty, and therefore they limit conflict. When conflict does arise, laws can be applied by court judges and juries, who use such laws as an impartial basis on which to settle conflict.

Not every law has been perfect; many have been changed over the years when enough people stand up to challenge a law that they feel is unfair or unconstitutional (doesn't follow our Constitution).

Citizenship and Taxes

The government must pay for the goods and services it provides to its citizens.

This is done with tax revenues, making it a responsibility of U.S. citizenship.

Citizens and the Military

The US currently has a volunteer military…

However, the US also has the right to staff its military using the draft.

Since 1980, all young men have been required to register with Selective Service—To register for the draft when and if it is ever reinstituted.

Jury Duty

If you are registered to vote, or have a driver’s license…You might be called to serve jury duty.

The Constitution stipulates that accused persons must be tried by a jury of one’s peers…

This is a RIGHT of any citizen…The corresponding RESPONSIBILITY is that citizens must serve jury duty.

Knowledge about Current Issues

Knowledge about current issues and world affairs is ESSENTIAL if you are going to make informed voting decisions.

Respect for Differing Opinions

“I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”—Voltaire.

Participation in the government demands the ability to listen to and respect the viewpoints of others.

Citizens must both tolerate and be knowledgeable of different points of view.

Don’t EVER take political disagreement PERSONALLY.

Volunteering and Public Service

Citizens should be ENGAGED and recognize the importance of ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.

This does not necessarily mean joining the military, or working for a political campaign…

You can volunteer for the library, for food drives, for your church or for your community.