CivicsThe Meaning of Citizenship

What Is Civics?

• The study of what it means to be an American citizen.

• A citizen is a person with certain rights and responsibilities under a government.

You Are an American Citizen if:

1.You’re born in the U.S. or one of its territories.

2.At least one of your parents was a US citizen when you were born.

3.You have been naturalized.• Naturalized – you have

gone through the process of becoming a citizen.

Citizenship Test

Naturalization

• ApplyExaminationFinal Hearing• Applicants must prove:• 18+; legal resident for 5+ years, in

state for 3+ months.• Good moral character• Loyalty to principles in US

constitution.• Read, write & speak English.• Knowledge of history & form of

government of the US.• Naturalization Self Test

Why Become Naturalized?

• If you are not a citizen, you cannot vote or hold government office.

• You would be considered an alien.• Alien – a citizen of

one country who lives in another country.

• If you have children under 18, they will automatically become citizens.

Naturalized Citizens

• Have all the rights and duties of citizens by birth EXCEPT the right to be President or Vice-President.

• You will remain a citizen unless:• You decide to give up

citizenship.• You are convicted of

trying to overthrow the US government by force.

List of Denaturalized Citizens Facebook FounderRenunciation Lose Citizenship

Rights of Citizens

• American citizens have the right to:• Vote and hold elected office.• Say what they think in speech or writing.• Practice their own religion.• Right to a fair trial.

• Our rights are guaranteed to us by our Constitution and protected by our laws and courts.

Can Your Rights Ever Be Denied?

• Page 60• Korematsu v. United

States (1944)• Issue: Does the

government have the right to limit the civil rights of certain Americans during national emergencies?

• What does the Supreme Court decide?

Duties of Citizens

• Duties are required.• Duties include:

• Obeying the laws.• Defending the nation.• Serving on a jury or as a witness in court.• Paying taxes.• Attending school.

• Rule of Law – concept of government of laws.• No individual is above the law.• Officials must base their opinion on law, not

personal opinion.

Serving on a Jury

• Our Constitution guarantees that anyone accused of a crime may have the case decided by a jury of peers.

• Jury of Peers – a group of ordinary citizens who hear the case and decide whether the accused person is innocent or guilty.

• The judge will then handle the sentencing based on the jury’s decision.

Responsibilities of Citizens

• Responsibilities are voluntary.• As citizens, we should:• Work toward the common good.

• We should contribute to the well-being of all members of society.

• Vote.• Hold government office.• Participate in election campaigns.• Influence the government.• Serve the community.