First Amendment
Freedom to practice any religion you want or no religion at all
Freedom of Religion
Two ways to become a citizen
Birth and Naturalization
Things citizens are required to do by law
Duties
A democratic society requires the active participation of
its citizens
You must be this old to apply for citizenship through naturalization
18 years of age
Freedom to gather peacefully
Freedom of Assembly
You must be able to do these three things to become a citizen through naturalization
Read, write and speak basic English
Things citizens are not required to do but should feel obligated to do
Responsibilities
Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole and Volunteer and help to make the community a good place to work and live
ways to participate in community service
You must be this type of person (hint: no criminals allowed)
Be of good, moral character
Freedom to state your opinions and beliefs
Freedom of Speech
An individual with certain rights and duties under a government who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government
Citizen
Legal consequences
Being concerned for the community as a whole could include these things
environmental issues, public health and safety, education
You must be a legal resident of the United States for this amount of time in order to apply for citizenship through naturalization
3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
5 years if not married to a U.S. citizen
Freedom to publish information including that which criticizes the government
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside”
14th Amendment
The 4 duties of citizens
Obey laws, pay taxes, serve in the armed forces if called, serve on a jury or as a witness in court
Volunteer and help to make the community a good place to work and live could include these things
becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring, volunteering in nursing homes
Christopher was born in England. His mother is American and his father is British. Is he a U.S. citizen? How?
Yes, by birth (his mother is American)s
Freedom to let your opinions be known to government officials
Freedom of Petition
These two things have led to a diverse society, particularly in the twentieth-century
Immigration and Naturalization
The 7 responsibilities of citizens
Register and vote, Hold elective office, Communicate with government officials to influence government action, Serve in voluntary, appointed government positions, Participate in political campaigns, Keep informed regarding current issues, Respect others’ right to an equal voice in government
What type of society requires the active participation of its citizens?
A democratic society
Sophie is 25 and has lived in the United States for 5 years. She has been learning about American history while practicing her English. She has never been in trouble with the government. Is she eligible for citizenship? By what means?
Yes, by naturalization