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What it means to be a citizen

What it means to be a citizen. Who is a Citizen?. A person who by birth or choice owes allegiance to a nation You are born in the US or a territory At least 1 of your parents was a US citizen when you were born. You have been naturalized (gone through citizenship process)

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What it means to be a citizen

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  1. What it means to be a citizen

  2. Who is a Citizen? • A person who by birth or choice owes allegiance to a nation • You are born in the US or a territory • At least 1 of your parents was a US citizen when you were born • You have been naturalized (gone through citizenship process) • You were under 18 when parents were naturalized

  3. If you come to the US from another to country to live you are considered an alien. • Alien: Citizen from one country who lives in another country • As an alien you have many of the same rights as regular citizens • Can’t vote or hold government office

  4. The Office of Citizen • Abraham Lincoln “ ours is a government by the people, and for the people.” • Our government can make laws, build roads and bridges, tax, fight wars, make agreements with other countries, but only if the citizens want to. • As citizens we elect representatives, people who are chosen to speak and act for their fellow citizens.

  5. Who is elected? • President • Congress • City Council • School Board • Mayor • Judges

  6. Rights of citizens • Right to vote and hold elected office • Right to say what you think in speech and writing • Right to practice your own religion • Right to a fair trial • Right to be protected by your government when you are working or traveling in other countries

  7. Ideas on Rights • Rights in the US are based on American beliefs of: equal respect, freedom, equality, and justice • Our rights are guaranteed by our Constitution and protected by laws and our courts.

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

  9. Obeying the laws • We have rules and laws to keep society running in an orderly way • Some laws are there to prevent us from hurting each other • Some laws establish rules for making agreements and settling disagreements in a fair way • We must obey laws to that protect citizens rights • Equal opprotunity

  10. Too many laws • It is impossible to know all laws in your city, state, nation • It is up to you to know the laws that affect your life and your actions. • Ignorance of the law is no excuse

  11. Defending the Nation • Helping our country defend itself against threats to our peace and security is another important duty of citizens • US maintains armed services during peacetime • When you are 18 or older you may volunteer to serve in the military • Young men must register for military service when they turn 18 • Doesn’t mean they will serve, but in a national emergency they could be drafted to serve

  12. Serving on a Jury or Witness • Basic right is right to a fair trial • Innocent until proven guilty • No person may be found guilty unless there is beyond reasonable doubt • Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury • Witness in a case

  13. Paying taxes • Income taxes • Sales taxes • Property taxes • Through taxes out government raises money to pay for the services that it provides to the nation

  14. Attending School • Required to attend from 5 or 6 to at least 16 • School attendance laws • Schools are to make sure students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in life and be a good citizen

  15. The Common Good • Basic responsibility of all citizens is to contribute to the common good • Acting in ways that protect the rights and freedoms of other Americans and to make our communities, states, and nation a good place to live • Voting (voting wisely)

  16. Holding Government Office • Elected officials have accepted the responsibility of learning about the issues and trying to make decisions that are in the peoples best interests

  17. Election campaigns • Carry campaign signs at a rally • Putting signs in your yard • Stuffing envelopes • Making phone calls

  18. Influencing Government • Influencing government is another way to fulfill the “office of citizen” • Right letters to government officials/put in newspapers • Speak at city council • Join or create organizations with the goal of influencing government

  19. Serving the Community • Not all responsibilities of people are connected with the government • Each of us are responsible to make our communities the best places possible

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