Unit 1 Civics: Citizenship and Levels of Government Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining citizenship rules, alien/immigrant classifications, and levels of government based on Unit 1 lecture notes.

Civics

The study of what it means to be a citizen, the roles, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship, the origins and purposes of government, and how our government works.

National (or Federal) Government

The highest level of government in the United States.

State Government

A level of government in the United States, of which there are 50 different state governments (such as Florida).

Local Government

The level of government that is closest to the people (such as Tallahassee or Leon County).

The 14th Amendment

Establishes U.S. Citizenship: '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.'

Law of Soil / Citizenship 'by birth' (jus soli)

Citizenship that occurs when someone is born within the United States or one of its territories.

Law of Blood / Citizenship 'by blood' (jus sanguinis)

Citizenship that occurs when someone is born to parents, one or both of whom are United States citizens.

Natural Born (Native Born) Citizens

Anyone who is considered a U.S. citizen when he/she is born.

Refugee

A person who is trying to escape the danger of their home countries because of persecution, war, or other crisis situations.

Asylee

A non-citizen who is unable to return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution.

Alien

A person who lives in a country but who is not a citizen of that country.

Undocumented Alien

A foreign-born person who is in the United States without proper immigration documentation.

Documented Alien

A foreign-born person who is legally admitted to the United States.

Immigrant

A person that moves into a country for the purpose of permanent residence (documented aliens who intend to live here permanently).

Resident Alien

A non-citizen who is currently residing in the United States, also known as a Lawful Permanent Resident or 'green card' holder.

Non-Immigrant

An alien who is lawfully admitted to the United States for a specific temporary period of time (such as tourists, students, etc.).

Non-Resident Alien

An alien who has not yet met the requirements to obtain a green card.