UNIT 1 Foundations of American Citizenship

1. UNIT 1Foundations of American Citizenship

2. What is civics? • Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens. • Rights-privileges guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. • Duties-things you are required to do by law.

3. Who Are American Citizens? • born in the 50 states or the territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, or the American Samoa) • born to a U.S. citizen (May have dual citizenship) • Anyone who has successfully completed the naturalization process

4. A Diverse America • USA = a nation of immigrants • Forced immigration = Slaves • “Salad Bowl” Theory

5. A Changing America • America has experienced many different migrations- a mass movement of people within the country • From farms to the industrial jobs of the cities (mid 1800s) • African-Americans moving from the South to the North after the Civil War (late 1800s) • From Cities to suburbs (1950s to present)

6. A “More-changing” America • Manufacturing economy to a SERVICE economy • The average age of Americans is climbing and people are having fewer children • Record number of Americans are going to college

7. What Brings America Together? • American values (freedom, justice, equality, respect, tolerance) • A common language (English) • Traditional American Institutions: -Family -Religion -Education -Social -Government

8. Aliens In America • Limits on immigration • ~675,000 accepted • Priority: relatives already here & special skills

9. Legal Aliens • Here from another country…with permission • Why USA??? • Jobs • schools • Function like “citizen” with limitations • Must pay taxes

10. Legal Aliens vs. American Citizens • Legal Aliens: • Can’t vote or run for office • No jury duty • Can’t hold government jobs • Must always carry an identification card to prove their legal status (green card)

11. Illegal Aliens • ~5 to 6 million people per year enter illegally • Most risk capture and terrible conditions to sneak across the border • Seek a better life • Illegal to hire • Face deportation

12. How to become a Citizen? • (Right of Blood) • One parent is a U.S. Citizen, birthplace does not matter • (Right of Birthplace) • If child is born in the U.S., even if parents are illegal immigrants • Naturalization • 18 years old • Permanent U.S. residency for 5 years, or if married to a U.S. citizen, 3 years • Good moral character • Read, write, speak English (some exceptions for Senior adults) • Citizenship test • Oath of Allegiance

13. File Application for citizenship Pass Citizenship Exam Declaration of Intention Pledge OATH to USA INS Interview STEPS to NATURALIZATION File With INS

14. Global Engagement • A GLOBALLY COMPETENT CITIZEN CAN… • Investigates the world; understands about other cultures and nations; seeks to learn other languages • Weighs different perspectives; makes informed decisions in diverse groups • Communicates ideas respectfully and effectively • Takes action; makes a difference in your community, state, country, around the world • Applies disciplinary knowledge of the Social Sciences; makes positive interactions in society through people, projects, academic studies, challenges, and research in areas of professional practices.

15. Digital Citizenship A digital citizen can: • Understands how to stay safe online • Knows how to find, evaluate, manage, and create digital content • Understands how to participate responsibly in online communities • Understands their rights in a digital world

16. Civic Literacy • A citizen has an understanding of their government and how it works:  • Understands government processes and the local and global implications of civic issues.  • Knows how to exercise the rights and obligations of citizenship at the local, state and national levels  • Stays informed • Participates effectively in civic life