Civics | Chapter 1, Vocabulary

Civics

The study of citizenship and government

Citizen

A legally recognized member of a country

Government

The organizations, institutions, and individuals who exercise political authority over a group of people

Immigrants

People who came here from other countries

Quota

A specific number of immigrants from certain countries or regions who were allowed to enter the country each year

Aliens

Permanent residents of the United States who are still citizens of another country

Native-born

Born in the United States

Naturalization

The legal process by which an alien may become a citizen

Refugee

People who are trying to escape dangers in their home countries

Census, def.

An official periodic counting of a population

Demographics

The study of the characteristics of human populations

Birthrate

The annual number of live births per 1,000 members of a population

Death rate

The annual number of deaths per 1,000 members of a country's population

Migration

A movement of large numbers of people from region to region, to the cities

Freedoms of American citizens

Equality, liberty and justice

Responsibilities and duties of citizenship

voting, active, responsibility, respectful and informed

Steps in the naturalization process

residency visa, apply for citizenship, get fingerprinted, interview and pass test on civics, us history and English, Take the "Oath of Allegiance to the United State"

Rights of Citizen vs. Aliens

Aliens cannot serve on juries, vote, or hold public office

Changes in America's population

more diverse, households change, women's roles change, older population

Census

counting of population, determines how many representatives each state sends to Congress. Predictions made can help government and business plan for future.

Why study Civics?

Our continued success as a world leader depends on whether citizens like you take an active part in our government and institutions

American Dream

Better schools, more success

Christopher Columbus

Sailed in 1492, to claim land for Spain

Why many early settlers came here...

to escape religious persecution in their countries