Citizenship and Civic Responsibilities

Citizen’s Community Service

• Volunteer for organizations and public service, express concern about public issues, and help make the community a better place to live.

• Participate in local government meetings to discuss policies and regulations.

• Donate money to charities without engaging in any activities.

• Attend community events without taking any action to improve the community.

Duties of Citizens

• Obey laws, pay taxes, serve in the armed forces if called, and serve the court when summoned.

• Vote in elections and participate in community service.

• Travel freely without restrictions and enjoy public services.

• Only pay taxes and follow local regulations.

5th Amendment

• Guarantees citizens certain rights

• Allows for double jeopardy

• Requires due process of law

• Protects against self-incrimination

Personal Character Traits of Good Citizens

• Trustworthiness and honesty

• Indifference to others' rights

• Disrespect for the law

• Avoidance of community participation

Responsibilities of Citizens

• Register and vote

• Ignore current issues

• Disrespect others' rights

• Avoid participating in political campaigns

What is the Naturalization Process?

• Be at least 18 years old and establish residency in the U.S. for 3-5 years, know American history and principles, be able to read, speak, and write basic English, pass the Citizenship Test, and take the oath of allegiance.

• Be a U.S. citizen for at least 5 years before applying for naturalization.

• Have a job in the U.S. for at least 2 years before applying for naturalization.

• Be fluent in a foreign language and have a job offer from a U.S. employer.

Purposes of Government

• Protect citizens, preserve order, provide public goods & services, plan for the future.

• Limit individual freedoms for the greater good.

• Increase taxes to fund private enterprises.

• Create laws that only benefit the wealthy.

Effects of Immigration

• Immigration has led to a more homogeneous society.

• Immigration and naturalization have led to a diverse society, national and regional population changes, and influence current events.

• Immigration has no significant impact on current events.

• Immigration only affects the economy and not the population.

Sources of Citizenship

• The 14th Amendment defines citizenship in the U.S., including birth on U.S. soil and naturalization.

• Citizenship can only be obtained through naturalization after living in the U.S. for ten years.

• Citizenship is granted solely based on parental citizenship, regardless of birthplace.

• The Constitution does not define citizenship, leaving it to individual states.

14th Amendment

• Defines citizenship as being born in the U.S. and guarantees rights to all citizens.

• Establishes the right to bear arms for all citizens.

• Grants the president the power to veto state laws.

• Allows states to impose their own immigration laws.