14th Amendment & Basics
According to the 14th Amendment, what two groups of people are U.S. citizens?
Anyone born or naturalized in the U.S.
What do we call a person who is a U.S. citizen from the moment they are born?
A natural-born citizen.
What is the legal process called that allows an immigrant to become a full U.S. citizen?
Naturalization.
What do we call actions that citizens must do by law, or else they can get fined or go to jail?
Obligations (or Duties).
What do we call actions that citizens should do to help their community, but aren't forced to do by law?
Responsibilities
What official card proves an immigrant has permission to live and work permanently in the U.S.?
Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident).
What legal rule says you are automatically a citizen if you are born on American soil?
Law of Soil.
What status must an immigrant hold for at least 5 years before applying to become a naturalized citizen?
Lawful Permanent Resident (having a Green Card).
Name two mandatory legal obligations required of all citizens.
Obeying laws, paying taxes, serving on a jury, or registering for Selective Service.
What main idea means acting for the good of the whole community rather than just for yourself?
The Common Good.
What is the general term for any person living in a country who is not a citizen of that country?
Alien
What legal rule says you are a citizen at birth because your parents are U.S. citizens?
Law of Blood.
What is the final promise of loyalty an applicant takes during their citizenship ceremony?
Oath of Allegiance.
What obligation requires citizens to sit in a courtroom and decide if an accused person is innocent or guilty?
Jury Duty (serving on a jury).
What usually happens to a community or government if most citizens choose not to fulfill their civic responsibilities?
The government becomes less helpful, communities suffer, and people lose their voice.
Why was the citizenship clause added to the 14th Amendment right after the Civil War?
To make sure formerly enslaved African Americans were officially granted full U.S. citizenship.
A child is born on a military base in Japan to two American parents. How did they get U.S. citizenship?
Law of Blood (their parents are citizens).
Besides living in the U.S. for 5 years and passing a Civics/English test, what kind of character must an applicant prove they have?
Good moral character (following laws, paying taxes, being honest).
What obligation requires 18-year-old males to register so the military can draft them during a national emergency?
Selective Service.
How can attending a local school board or city council meeting help your community?
It lets you voice concerns directly to leaders and help make decisions on local issues.
What is the main difference between an immigrant and a refugee or asylee?
Immigrants choose to move for new opportunities; refugees and asylees flee danger or persecution in their home country.
What is one major constitutional requirement for becoming U.S. President that a naturalized citizen cannot meet?
The President must be a natural-born citizen.
How does the naturalization of thousands of new citizens impact the voting process in America?
It adds new voters who can vote in elections and help choose government leaders.
A citizen refuses to pay their income taxes because they dislike a new law. Is this a violation of a duty or a responsibility?
A duty/obligation (paying taxes is required by law, not optional).
How does fulfilling your responsibilities (like voting and petitioning leaders) protect popular sovereignty?
It keeps the ultimate power of government in the hands of the people.