UNIT 1: CITIZENSHIP
3a: How does an individual become a citizen?
A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America defines citizenship as follows: “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.”
Means of obtaining citizenship:
· By birth
· By naturalization
Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century, have led to an increasingly diverse society.
To become a citizen through naturalization, a person must demonstrate knowledge of American history and principles and the ability to read, speak, and write words in ordinary usage in the English language.
3b: What fundamental rights and liberties are guaranteed in the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of
America?
The Constitution of the United States of America establishes and protects the citizens’
fundamental rights and liberties. Few rights, if any, are considered absolute.
First Amendment freedoms:
· Religion: Government may not establish an official religion, endorse an official religion, or unduly interfere with the free exercise of religion.
3c: What civic duties are expected of all citizens?
For government to be effective, citizens must fulfill their civic duties.
Citizens who choose not to fulfill these civic duties face legal consequences.
Citizens who choose not to fulfill these civic duties face legal consequences.
3d: What are the ways individuals demonstrate responsible citizenship?
Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice; they are voluntary.
Responsibilities of citizens:
· Register and vote
· Hold elective office
· Communicate with government officials to influence government actions
· Serve in voluntary, appointed government positions
· Participate in political campaigns.
· Keep informed regarding current issues
· Respect others’ right to an equal voice in government
Responsibilities of citizens:
· Register and vote
· Hold elective office
· Communicate with government officials to influence government actions
· Serve in voluntary, appointed government positions
· Participate in political campaigns.
· Keep informed regarding current issues
· Respect others’ right to an equal voice in government
3e: In what ways do citizens participate in community service?
Volunteers at a soup kitchen
Ways for citizens to participate in community service
· Volunteer to support democratic institutions (e.g., League of Women
Voters).
· Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole (e.g., as related to environment, public health and safety, education).
· Help to make the community a good place to work and live (e.g., by becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring, volunteering in nursing
homes).
· Volunteer to support democratic institutions (e.g., League of Women
Voters).
· Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole (e.g., as related to environment, public health and safety, education).
· Help to make the community a good place to work and live (e.g., by becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring, volunteering in nursing
homes).
4a-g: How do individuals demonstrate thoughtful and effective participation in civic life?
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
· Patriotism
· Participation in the school and/or local community
· Participation in elections as an informed voter
Effective participation in civic life can include
· formulating questions
· analyzing information from a variety of sources
· expressing a position
· devising and implementing a plan
· practicing thoughtful decision making in personal, financial, and civic matters (e.g., voting, civic issues).
· Trustworthiness and honesty
· Courtesy and respect for the rights of others
· Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance
· Respect for the law
· Patriotism
· Participation in the school and/or local community
· Participation in elections as an informed voter
Effective participation in civic life can include
· formulating questions
· analyzing information from a variety of sources
· expressing a position
· devising and implementing a plan
· practicing thoughtful decision making in personal, financial, and civic matters (e.g., voting, civic issues).
Online Resources:
Games for review: http://mrd2012.weebly.com/u1-citizenship.html
Official United States Citizenship and Immigration website: http://www.uscitizenship.info/index.html?r=ga-cpc-cit_us-citizenship:m=e&gclid=CJfXgfDei8cCFYIXHwod7eYJHw
More information and games: http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_1_whatis.htm
Games for review: http://mrd2012.weebly.com/u1-citizenship.html
Official United States Citizenship and Immigration website: http://www.uscitizenship.info/index.html?r=ga-cpc-cit_us-citizenship:m=e&gclid=CJfXgfDei8cCFYIXHwod7eYJHw
More information and games: http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_1_whatis.htm