Civics

Citizenship and diversity

Citizenship

The status of being a member of a nation, with rights and responsibilities.

E pluribus unum

A Latin phrase meaning "out of many, one," symbolizing unity in diversity.

Great Migration

The period in the 1600s when English settlers and Spanish colonizers arrived in America.

Slaves

Africans brought to America between 1616-1806, forced into servitude.

Scotch-Irish

A group that immigrated to America in the 1700s, along with Dutch, Germans, Scottish, and Swedes.

Independence

The state of being free from outside control, achieved by America in 1776.

Types of Diversity

Various forms of diversity including religious, gender, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, and ethnic.

Asian Americans

The fastest growing ethnic group in the United States.

Common American Values

Principles such as freedom, equality, independence, justice, diversity, unity, respect, and liberty.

Democracy

A system of government based on the consent of the governed, characterized by fair elections and equal justice.

Social Institutions

Structures such as family and volunteer organizations that contribute to society.

Religious Institutions

Places of worship like churches, synagogues, and mosques.

Education

A key institution for learning and personal development in American society.

Naturalization

The process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of the United States.

Declaration of Intent

A form filled out as the first step in the naturalization process.

Oath of Allegiance

A promise made by new citizens to be loyal to the United States.

Denaturalization

The loss of citizenship due to fraud or deception during the naturalization process.

Expatriation

The voluntary act of giving up one's citizenship.

Treason

Acts of extreme disloyalty to one's country, which can lead to loss of citizenship.

Illegal Aliens

Individuals who cross borders unlawfully or overstay their legal permits, subject to deportation.

Resident Alien

A foreign national who has established residency in the U.S. and can stay indefinitely without becoming a citizen.

Non-resident Alien

A foreign national who is in the U.S. for a short, specified period of time.

Legal Protection

Rights and protections afforded to legal aliens in the U.S.

Voting Rights

Legal aliens may not vote, run for office, or serve on juries, but they must carry documents at all times.