1. GO #3
Citizenship
A Citizen is an individual with certain _rights_ and _duties_ under a government
and who, by _birth_ or by _choice_, owes allegiance to that government.
14th Amendment: “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.”
Citizenship is
defined by the
14th Amendment
1.Birth  persons born within U.S. boundaries are U.S.
citizens
Means of
obtaining
citizenship
 a person can become a U.S. citizen through
the naturalization process. He or she must
2.Natu-
ralization demonstrate knowledge of American history
and principles, and the ability to read, speak,
and write words in ordinary usage in the
English language.

Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century have led to an
increasingly diverse society.
Personal traits of a good citizen
Thoughtful and effective participation in civic life depends upon the exercise of
_good citizenship_.
● Trustworthiness and honest ● Respect for the law
● Courtesy and respect for the rights of others ● Patriotism
● Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance ● Informed voter
● Participate in the school and/or local community
●

2. Effective participation in civic life can include:
 Formulating questions
 Analyzing information from a variety of sources
 Practicing thoughtful decision-making in personal, financial and civic matters
(e.g. voting and civic lessons)
 Expressing a position
 Devising and implementing a plan
Civic Duty Civic Responsibility
For government to be effective, A basic responsibility of citizenship is
citizens must perform their _civic to contribute to the _common good_
duties_.
Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by
Citizens who chose not to fulfill _choice_; they are _voluntary_
civic duties face __legal
1. Register and vote
consequences. 2. Hold Elective office
3. Communicate with the
1. Obey laws government officials to influence
government
2. Pay taxes
4. Serve in voluntary, appointed
3. Serve in the armed forces if government positions
5. Participate in political campaigns
called 6. Keep informed regarding current
4. Serve on a jury or as a witness events
7. Respect others' rights to an equal
in court, when summoned voice in government
Ways for citizens to participate in community service.
A democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens.
1. Volunteer to support democratic institutions – for example, the League of
Women Voters
2. Express concerns about the welfare of the community as a whole for
example, the environment, public health and safety, education
3. Help to make the community a good place to live and work - for example,
by becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring,
volunteering in nursing homes, volunteering in schools