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Civics

Civics. Chapter 3 – The 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:.

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Civics

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  1. Civics Chapter 3 – The Meaning of Citizenship

  2. 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.

  3. You Are an American Citizen if: • You’re born in the U.S. or one of its territories. • At least one of your parents was a US citizen when you were born. • You have been naturalized. • Naturalized – you have gone through the process of becoming a citizen.

  4. Naturalization • ApplyExaminationFinal 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 • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.d72b75bdf98917853423754f526e0aa0/?vgnextoid=afd6618bfe12f210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=afd6618bfe12f210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. The Office of the Citizen • We have a government “of the people, by the people, (and) for the people.” – A. Lincoln • Our government is based on concept of “consent of the governed”. • Citizens have the power to decide what the government will and will not do. • Imagine if each citizen had a true say-so in governmental decisions. • What problems could arise? • Instead, we elect representatives. • Representatives – people who are chosen to speak and act for their fellow citizens in government.

  8. 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 based on the beliefs and values Americans share: equal respect, freedom, equality, and justice. • Guaranteed to us by our Constitution and protected by our laws and courts.

  9. 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?

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Our Other Roles in Society • Social roles – roles people play in real life. • Seven social roles: • Consumer • Citizen • Family member • Student • Worker • Social group member • Friend • Why do we play these roles? • We choose them, have to play them or are born into them.

  14. Roles as Expected Behaviors • What determines how you behave in these roles? • How you want to play the role; • what other people expect; and • the kind of person you are.

  15. The Citizen Role • Active Participants • How can students be active citizens? • Contributing to the Common Good • The contributions of adults and teenagers may differ. • How can teens contribute to the common good? • Setting Priorities for Citizenship • Is being an active citizen a priority for you?

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