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Civics and Economics. What Is Civics?. Civics – study of citizenship and gov’t Citizen – a member of a nation who owes allegiance to its gov’t and is protected by it. Why Do We Need Government?. Four reasons: Make laws (What purpose do laws serve?) Keep order
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What Is Civics? • Civics – study of citizenship and gov’t • Citizen – a member of a nation who owes allegiance to its gov’t and is protected by it
Why Do We Need Government? • Four reasons: • Make laws (What purpose do laws serve?) • Keep order • Provide services (What services?) • Prevent anarchy (Why is anarchy a problem?)
Who are American Citizens? 14th amendment states; anyone born or naturalized in the US.
Diversity in America • We are a nation of immigrants • EXP: E pluribus unum: out of many one • On the back of all American coins
Two ways to become a US Citizen • By Birth • Born in any 50 states • Born on any American Territory (Guam, Puerto Rico or oversees base) • 1 or both parents are citizens • Children born on American soil except for foreign diplomats
Naturalization Process: Legal Process • Aliens: non citizens who live in USA to work but leave and return to home country • Immigrants: people who move here permanently • Sign Declaration of Intention form • Live in US 5 yrs. or 3 if married • Interview with US CIS Agent • Take citizenship exam • Attend a ceremony, say oath of allegiance
Extras • How long does your citizenship last? • Forever or unless you voluntarily give it up • Who grants citizenship? • Federal gov’t • If illegal aliens are caught what happens to them? • Deported: sent back to own country
What are the responsibilities of an American citizen? • Responsibility: things we should do • Be informed • Speak up and vote • Respect others rights • Respect diversity • Have tolerance: respect and accept others beliefs, practices and differences • Contribute to the common good
What are the duties of an American citizen? • Duty: things we must do • Obey laws • Pay taxes • Serve in court (jury duty) • Attend school (until at least 16 years old) • Defend the nation • Men from ages 18-25 must register with the federal gov’t • Called the Selective Service Act
Volunteering • Volunteerism: the practice of offering your time to others without pay • Community: group of people who share the same interests or concerns
Examples of National Programs Peace Corps Est. 1961 Go to other countries and help over 135 Ameri Corps: Work in USA through local and national organizations EXP: Red Cross If you work with them for 1 year they help pay for college Job Corp no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 get a better job, make more money, and take control of their lives.
Levels of Government • National • State • Local • County • City
Kinds of Government • Democracy – rule by the people • Direct democracy – system in which people vote on all decisions • Republic – system in which people choose representatives to make decisions for them (also known as representative democracy) • Monarchy – system in which the right to rule is passed down through a family (king or queen)
Kinds of Government • Dictatorship – rule by a single individual • Totalitarianism – system in which the government has complete authority over every aspect of the people’s lives • Oligarchy – system in which a small minority has authority • Theocracy – system in which religious beliefs have the power of law • Anarchy – system in which no form of government exists…chaos!