(3a) You should be able to describe the processes by which an individual becomes a citizen of the United States. A citizen is a person with certain rights (examples: freedom of speech and the right to vote) and duties (example: having to pay taxes and obey the laws) under a government. A citizen owes his or her allegiance (loyalty) to the government he or she is citizen of. 1. There are two ways of obtaining U.S. Citizenship. I) You can be born in America or in one of its territories, even if your parents were not citizens. You have to be a natural born citizen in order to be the President of the United States. II) You are born in another country, then move to the U.S. and go through a process to become a naturalized citizen. To become a citizen through naturalization, a person musta. demonstrate knowledge of American history and principles b. demonstrate the ability to read, speak, and write words in ordinary usage in the English language. 2. 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. 3. Immigration and naturalization have led to an increasingly diverse society. Lots of people from many different countries have settled in the United States due to immigration. That has led to lots and lots of cultures and traditions influencing American culture. EX. think of all the unique restaurants that serve food from other countries. (Moroccan, Schechuan, Italian, Shwarma, and Sushi restaurants can be found throughout America.) 1) What are the two ways someone can become an American citizen? 2) For a person to become a naturalized citizen, what two things does that person have to demonstrate? 3) Name something a natural born citizen can do that a naturalized citizen can t. 4) Which amendment defines who can be a citizen? 5) What are two examples of the rights of citizens? 6) What are examples of the duties of citizens? 7) What is another word for allegiance? 8) In what way has immigration affected American culture? Unit 4 Citizenship Page 1 of 5
(3b) You should be able to describe the First Amendment freedoms of religion, assembly, press, petition, and speech, and the rights guaranteed by due process and equal protection of the laws. As American citizens, you are guaranteed many rights. Some of the most important are listed in the first amendment to the Constitution. The First Amendment is part of the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. 1. First Amendment freedoms: RAPPS I) Religion: Government may not establish an official religion, endorse an official religion, or unduly interfere with the free exercise of religion. I.E. The government can t say which religion is correct or stop you from practicing whatever religion you chose to, including none at all. II) Assembly: Individuals may peacefully gather together in groups. III) Press: The press has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government. IV) Petition: Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials. In other words, you have the right to complain to the government. You don t actually have to use a petition with a lot of signatures. An example of petitioning the government could be as simple as writing a letter to your Congressman complaining about something. V) Speech: Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs. 2. These rights are not absolute. There are still some reasonable limits on these rights. For example: o You can t use illegal drugs and then say that this practice is part of your religion. o You can t insult and harass (bully) another person and then claim freedom of speech. o You can t disrupt your class and claim freedom of speech. o You can t say things that would cause harm to others. For example, you cannot yell fire in a crowded theatre when there is no fire. This might cause a panic in which people would be injured while trying to escape. o You can t get together (Assemble) with friends and then violently riot. o You cannot send threatening messages to your Congressman and then claim the freedom of speech and petition. o You cannot publish how to make a dangerous biological or chemical weapons and then claim freedom of the press. In other words, there are limits to your freedom. Unit 4 Citizenship Page 2 of 5
3. There are two levels of government: the Federal (or National Government) and all the state governments underneath it. Originally, the first amendment protections only applied to the Federal Government. So, the Federal Government could not establish a religion or take away your freedom of speech, but there was nothing stopping the individual states from doing those same things to the citizens of their states. Virginia, if it wanted to, could have set limits on the press and established an official religion that everyone in Virginia had to practice. This problem was fixed in the 14 th amendment, which happened after the Civil War. It stated that the rights established in the Bill of Rights now applied to the state governments too. After the 14 th amendment, states had to follow the rules of the first amendment too. 1) List the five freedoms protected by the first amendment. 2) Originally, the first amendment only applied to the actions of what level of government? 3) Which amendment made the freedoms of the first amendment apply to the state governments as well? 4) Do you have an absolute right to freedoms of speech? If not, what is an example of something you don t have the legal right to say? 5) Describe what it means to petition the government. 6) What does it mean to peaceably assembly? 7) About when was the 14 th amendment passed? 8) The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known as what? Unit 4 Citizenship Page 3 of 5
(3cde) You should be able to describe the duties of citizenship, including obeying the laws, paying taxes, defending the nation, and serving in court. You should be able to examine the responsibilities of citizenship, including registering and voting, communicating with government officials, participating in political campaigns, keeping informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions in a diverse society. You should be able to evaluate how civic and social duties address community needs and serve the public good. 1) Duties are things that must be done. If you don t do them, you face legal consequences, such as fine or jail time. They are NOT optional. They include- Obeying the laws (remember rule of law? Everyone must obey the law.) Paying your taxes Serving in the armed forces/military ( if called to do so. This is called the draft.) Serve as a juror on a jury or as a witness in a court case, when summoned (called) to appear. 2) Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice. They are voluntary. They make America better. They include- Registering and voting Hold elective office Communicate with government officials to influence government actions (petitioning the government / lobbying) Serve in voluntary, appointed government positions (example: local Water Utility Board) Participate in political campaigns Keep informed regarding current issues Respect others right to an equal voice in government 3) A strong democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens. This includes volunteering for community service. The following are ways the SOLs suggest you can enrich your community by volunteering- Volunteer to support democratic institutions (example: League of Women Voters they provide unbiased information about elections and candidates so voters can make informed decisions). Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole (for example, you can communicate to your fellow citizens about important issues related to environment, public health and safety, or education). A good way to do this would be to write an Op-Ed and send it to a newspaper. You can always use the power of social media to do this as well. Help to make the community a good place to work and live (examples: become involved with public service organizations, tutor, volunteer in nursing homes). Unit 4 Citizenship Page 4 of 5
1) What is the difference between a civic duty and a civic responsibility? 2) List the four duties of citizenship? 3) What happens if you don t fulfill one of your duties? 4) What happens if you don t fulfill one or your responsibilities? 5) Why is it important to volunteer or do community service? 6) What does the League of Women Voters do? 7) How can you express concern about the welfare of the community? 8) Are you required to volunteer to make your community better? 9) Is voting a responsibility or a duty? 10) Are you required to keep informed about current issues? 11) Are you required to serve as a juror or a witness in court if you are summonsed? 12) If you are drafted into the military, can you say no? 13) List an effective way to volunteer to make your community stronger? 14) What is the difference between an election and an appointed position? Unit 4 Citizenship Page 5 of 5