Citizenship Overview - CE. 6 and CE. 7

Civic Duties

4 things you MUST do, or face a legal consequence: They include obeying the law, paying your taxes, serving on a jury if summoned or as a witness in court, and serving in the military if called upon.

Citizens who do NOT fulfill their Civic Duties

Face a legal consequence

Selective Service

U.S. male citizens age 18-26 must register for this (to possibly serve in Armed Forces if called upon) - A Civic Duty!

Civic Responsibilities

Things you SHOULD do, such as keeping informed, voting, participating in a political campaign, serving in the government, respecting other's opinions, etc.

First Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights; Freedoms of Religion, Assembly, Speech, Petition and Press.

Freedom of Religion

The government cannot establish an official religion and you are free to exercise your religious beliefs (as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others).

Freedom of Speech

The right to express opinions without censorship or punishment.

Freedom of Assembly

The right of the people to gather together and peacefully protest.

Freedom of Petition

The right to ask the government to fix something wrong or change a policy (sending the government a complaint or grievance.)

Freedom of Press

The right of newspapers and other public media to publish articles believed to be accurate without government censorship or control.

Due Process

Being treated fairly in our justice (legal) system if accused of a crime or misconduct.

5th Amendment

Innocent until proven guilty, don't have to be a witness against yourself, no double jeopardy (being tried for the same crime twice), right to due process protections from the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process); you must be fairly compensated if your private property is taken for public use.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship - those who are born here or go through the naturalization process are U.S. citizens; guarantees citizens equal protection of the laws; and due process protections from the STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process).

Citizen

Owes allegiance to a government and has rights and duties under that government.

Naturalization

The legal process to obtain U.S. citizenship.

How to become a U.S. Citizen?

By birth OR going through the naturalization process if you are an immigrant

Immigrant

Person moving from one country to live in another

Steps of Naturalization

1. Be at least 18 years of age; 2. Live in U.S.. for 5 years (individual) or 3 years (if married to a U.S. citizen); 3. Apply; 4. Be able to read, write, and speak English; 5. Pass interview; 6. Pass Citizenship Test; 7. Take the Oath of Allegiance. You also must be of good moral character!

Citizenship Test for Naturalization

Two parts: English Test (reading, writing, and speaking) and Civics Test (U.S. Government and U.S. History)

Allegiance

Another word for loyalty

Treason

A crime where someone betrays his/her country. Being a traitor.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It includes fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and press, as well as the right to a fair trial and due process.

National Anthem

Star Spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812.

July 4

Independence Day of the United States

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge [reduce or limit] the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Text of the 14th Amendment

4th Amendment

• People have the right against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government

• A warrant must be issued (with probable cause) for search and seizure to be fair and legal

• NOTE: Probable cause is a legal standard that refers to a reasonable basis for believing that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime can be found in a specific location.

6th Amendment

• Right to speedy and public trial by an impartial (unbiased or impartial) jury

• Right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation

• Right to confront witnesses against you

• Right to compel witnesses to testify in your favor

• Right to counsel (an attorney) to defend you

Importance of Civic Participation

To help address community needs and serve the public good; which includes the importance of volunteering, staying informed about current issues, and respecting different beliefs in a diverse society. You can also participate in the political process by voting, joining a political campaign, writing to a government official, etc.

How to demonstrate effective and respectful participation in civic life (as a U.S. citizen):

• Demonstrate CIVILITY - formal politeness and courtesy in your behavior and speech

• Be trustworthy and honest

• Show respect for the rights of others

• Show respect for different beliefs in our diverse society

• Take personal responsibility and do the right thing

• Military service - if called to do so or to serve your country

• Demonstrate self-reliance and hard work

• Show respect for the law

• Demonstrate patriotism - love for and loyalty to your country

• Serve in your community by helping others - help serve the public good (do things that benefit the community as a whole)