What is Civics Civics the STUDY OF CITIZENSHIP

What is Civics? Civics = the STUDY OF CITIZENSHIP and GOVERMMENT Civics is the relationship between people and government.

Who Are America’s Citizens?

In the late 1700 s, there were less than 4 million people living in the United States. Today, there are more than 300 million people living in the U. S!

Counting the National Population Census – count of individuals living in US Started in 1790 Conducted by the U. S. Department of Commerce

Why is a census necessary? To determine representation in Congress Used to distribute billions of federal funds to local communities Count indicates migration (movement) within the US

What is a citizen? � Citizen – a native or naturalized member of a country who owes that country’s government their allegiance. � Citizenship – is the status of being a citizen. If you have citizenship in a country, you have the right to live there, work, vote, and pay taxes!

Citizen by Birth � If you were born on U. S. soil � If you were born in any American territory � If you were born anywhere in the world to one or both American parents � Americans may hold dual citizenship with another country

Naturalization Process � Naturalization – a legal process to attain citizenship To be eligible: • Be at least 18 years old • Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years. • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. • Have a basic understanding of U. S. history and government (civics). • Be a person of good moral character. • Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U. S. Constitution.

Naturalization Process In general, the naturalization process includes the following steps: � Determine your eligibility to become a U. S. citizen. � Submit an Application for Naturalization. � Live in U. S. for 5 years (on average) � Complete the interview and examination. � Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Three Ways to Lose Citizenship �Denaturalization – Loss of citizenship through fraud or deception during the naturalization process �Expatriation – Giving up one’s citizenship by leaving one’s native country to gain citizenship in a foreign country �Punishment for a Crime – May lose citizenship when convicted of treason against the United States

Illegal Aliens �Only about 650, 000 immigrants are accepted each year into the United States. �Some 11 million illegal aliens are living in the U. S. � 50% of illegal aliens arrive from Mexico, others from Asia, Middle East and Central American countries

Legal Aliens � A resident alien is a person from a foreign country who has established permanent residence in the U. S. � They may stay as long as they wish without becoming citizens. � A nonresident alien is someone who expects to stay in the U. S. for a short, specified period. � Refugees are people fleeing their country to escape persecution.

Legal Aliens Can: Legal Aliens Cannot: Hold jobs Own property Attend public schools Pay taxes & Receive government services Vote in elections Run for office Serve on juries Be without identification cards

Government = A SMALL group of people ruling over a LARGE group of people Laws = rules/regulations of individuals/groups

Four (4) Functions of Government 1 - Keep Order – Make laws and set consequences � Laws passed/Police enforce/Courts convict 2 - Provide Security – Prevents crime and protects citizens � Military 3 - Provide Public Services – Meets needs of the masses � Fire Department, Water & Sewer, Hospitals, Transportation 4 - Guiding Community – Works to achieve community goals � Develop Public Policy (course of action) � Economic Plan = Budget (collect and spend)

The Citizen and the Community

Duties & Responsibilities of Citizens We all have certain responsibilities and duties to uphold/perform in our community. Responsibilities - things we should do; they are obligations that we fulfill voluntarily Duties - things that we must do

A Citizen’s Legal Duties � Obey laws � Pay taxes � Defend the nation All men aged 18 -25 are required to register for the draft (to call up people for military service – Selective Service Act) � Serve in court – on juries or as witnesses � Attend school – until 16 in NC

A Citizen’s Responsibilities � Be informed of current events. � Respect others’ rights Tolerance - respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences � Contribute to the common good � Vote � Others? ? “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials but the voters of this country. ” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

A Citizen’s Rights – privileges that cannot be taken away by the government �Sources of Our Rights Declaration of Independence State Constitutions U. S. Constitution – including Bill of Rights and other Amendments Court Decisions

Security Rights – Protection by the Government Some of our rights are based on denying certain powers to our government: �Article I of the Constitution denies certain powers to Congress �The Bill of Rights contains many limitations to government’s powers

Liberty Rights – Rights Guaranteed Under the Constitution 1 st Amendment rights are a prime example of protecting basic freedoms ▪ Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly, and Petition 5 th Amendment - Certain rights are given to accused persons

Equality Rights – Equal Treatment Under the Law � 14 th Amendment requires that all persons are treated the same (all persons to be given due process and equal protection) �Amendments like the 15 th and 19 th made voting an equal right for all citizens