The American Flag and Other Symbols

1. The American Flag and Other Symbols Lesson 1, Chapter 6

2. What is the history of the American flag? • The Second Continental Congress officially adopted the American flag in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777 . • The flag changed as new states were admitted to the Union. • Last added stars were for Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska & Hawaii. • With the 50-star flag came a new design and arrangement of stars in the union.

3. When should the flag be displayed? • Display flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. • Can display all-weather flag 24 hours a day if properly lit at night. • Can display flag in good weather on all days, especially certain holidays.

4. How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) • When covering a casket • Place flag with union at head and over left shoulder. Do not lower flag into grave or let it touch ground.

5. What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? • Never dip the flag to any person or thing. • Never display the flag with the union down, • except as a signal of dire distress. • Never let the flag touch anything beneath it.

6. What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? (cont’d) • Never use or store the flag in a way that might tear, soil, or damage it. • Never use the flag as a ceiling covering. • Do not put any markings on the flag. • Never use the flag to receive, hold, carry, or deliver anything.

7. What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? (cont’d) • Never use the flag for advertising. • Never use any part of the flag as a costume or athletic uniform. • Wear a flag pin on the left lapel near the heart. • If a flag is worn out, destroy it in a dignified way (burning).

8. What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? • The National Anthem is played at most flag ceremonies. • Parades, reveille, retreat, prior to events • Sometimes, “To the Colors,” a bugle call, is used instead. It is given the same respect as the National Anthem. VIDEO

9. Civics Lesson 2, Chapter 6

10. What is civics? • Civics—the study of the rights and duties of citizens • Citizens—owe loyalty to their government and receive its protection • Citizens follow a set of rules and accept the government's authority.

11. Why is government needed? • Government—the ruling authority for a community • Government helps people live together peacefully and productively.

12. What are the functions of government? • Keeping order • Providing security • Providing public services • Guiding the community by developing public policy

13. What are the functions of government? (cont’d)

14. What are the levels of government? • National government in Washington, D.C. • State governments in each of the 50 states • Local governments for counties, cities, and towns • No lower level can go against the laws and authority of the national government.

15. What are the types of governments? • Dictatorship—control by one person or a small group of people (Cuba) • Democracy—rule by the people (United States) • Direct democracy—all the citizens vote firsthand (ancient Athens)

16. What are the types of governments? (cont’d) • Representative democracy—citizens choose a smaller group to govern but are the source of the government's authority (United States) • U.S. citizens elect presidents and members of Congress but express their opinions by contacting their representatives.

17. What are the principles of American democracy? • The power of government comes from the citizens. • Americans run the government through elected representatives. • The government’s purpose is to improve life in the United States. • Elections are free, fair & competitive.

18. What are the principles of American democracy? (cont’d) • Competing political parties are an important part of democracies. • Individuals are free to develop their own capacities. • Majority rule—abiding by what most people want while respecting minority rights

19. What are the principles of American democracy?

20. Who are America's citizens? • Citizens are those born in the United States or to parents who are citizens. • Foreigners become citizens through naturalization. • Aliens come to the U.S. for a short time and return home without becoming citizens. • Immigrantsmove permanently to a new country and can apply for citizenship.

21. Who are America's citizens?

22. Who are America's citizens? • Only the federal government can grant citizenship and take it away. • State governments can deny some privileges of citizenship, such as voting, but cannot deny citizenship itself. • In most cases, the only way to lose U.S. citizenship is to voluntarily give it up. Once given up, it cannot be gotten back. What is Dual Citizenship? Should Members of Congress have it?

23. Who are the aliens in America? • About 675,000 immigrants enter the United States each year. • Priority is given to people with • Particular skills • Particular talents • Money to invest in the U.S. economy • Relatives who are US citizens Is the way we prioritize Immigrants fair?

24. Who are the aliens in America? (cont’d) • The 5 to 6 million illegal aliens in the United States come for work and a better life but often have a difficult time. • Low-paying jobs • Fear of being deported What is your opinion of Illegal Aliens? How should the US address Illegal Aliens

25. Who are the aliens in America? (cont’d) • Aliens can lead lives much like U.S. citizens. • They can hold jobs and own property. • But they may not • Vote in elections • Run for office • Serve on juries • Work in most government jobs • They must carry identification cards at all times.

26. What are a citizen's legal duties? • Obeying laws • Paying taxes • Defending the nation • Serving in court • Attending school

27. What are a citizen's civic responsibilities? • Being informed about what the government is doing • Voting in elections • Respecting the rights of other people • Respecting public property and the property of others

28. What are a citizen's civic responsibilities? (cont’d) • Respecting the practices & traditions of others • Contributing to the common good

29. Why do citizens need to be involved? • Volunteers make communities better places to live. • The value of time volunteered by Americans has been increasing since 1987. In 1998, it was about $225 billion. Is it a obligation to Volunteer in your Community? What are the benefits to you & your community?

30. Why do citizens need to be involved? (cont’d)

31. Why do citizens need to be involved? (cont’d)

32. Governments Have limited resources Are bureaucracies Cannot always respond quickly or efficiently to social problems What other reasons should citizens be involved? Why do citizens need to be involved? (cont’d)

33. Why do citizens need to be involved? (cont’d) • People and businesses • Have time and money to donate • Small businesses may • Sponsor a sports team • Donate prizes for a fund-raiser • Large companies often • Contribute to community projects • Offer college scholarships Why is our Obstacle Course Worthy of Corporate Donations?

34. Where can volunteers donate their time? • Some people want a personal connection to a cause and may work within their own community. • Others volunteer through more formal channels, such as charitable organizations.

35. Where can volunteers donate their time? (cont’d) • Places to volunteer include • Homeless shelters • Special Olympics • Senior citizen centers • Environmental organizations

36. Where can volunteers donate their time? (cont’d) • Volunteer activities include • Preparing and distributing meals • Tutoring a child or new immigrant • Cleaning up trails • Helping at a campaign office • Holding elective office

37. Where can volunteers donate their time? (cont’d) • National Service programs include • The Peace Corps • AmeriCorps • The Senior Corps • USA Freedom Corps

38. What are the benefits of volunteering? • Improvements to communities • New opportunities to learn, make friends, and improve skills • Satisfaction from knowing that a difference has been made in someone’s life

39. What are the benefits of volunteering? (cont’d) • Learning something new about an organization or about life itself • Beats boredom • Deal with one’s own problems better • Explore various careers

40. Next • Done— The duties and responsibilities of citizenship • Next— The Constitution of the United States Lesson 2, Chapter 6, Civics