1. American
Citizenship

2. A citizen…
• Owes allegiance to a government.
• Is entitled to government protection in
exchange for their allegiance (contract).
• Has certain rights and responsibilities.
Citizenship is a social contract, the
citizen owes loyalty and duty, the
government owes protection of rights.

3. Becoming a Citizen
Native Citizenship
• If you are born in a country
you are native to that
country.
• Babies born in America are
automatically citizens, this is
native citizenship.
• Children born in other
countries to American
parents can also be citizens
if their parents choose.
Naturalized Citizenship
• People born in other countries
must go through a
“naturalization process” to
become a citizen of the U.S.
• 18 years old
• Lawful, permanent resident of
the U.S. for 5 years (3 is
married to a citizen)
• Swear loyalty to the U.S.
• Have good moral character
• Be able to read, write, and
speak english
• Be knowledgeable of U.S.
history and government

4. Citizenship Test
(example questions)
1. What do the stripes on the flag mean?
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
3. What country did the U.S. fight during the
Revolutionary War?
4. Who was the first President of the U.S.?
5. How many branches are there in our government?
6. What do we call a change to our Constitution?
7. Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
8. Who helped the Pilgrims in America?
9. What ship did the Pilgrims sail on?
10. What were the original 13 states?

5. Membership in a Society
Citizens are members of a society, a community
bound by common interests and standards.
Citizens must obey the laws of the society to
ensure those common interests and standards
are met.
Civics is the study of the rights and duties of
citizenship and government.

6. Government and Society
Government is the organization that establishes
and executes the policies (laws and rules)
used by members of a society.

7. What Government Does
1. Security. Government’s first job is to protect
people’s natural rights. It is the government’s
half of the social contract.
Government protects you from…
Other countries (through the military)
Other people (through the police)
Business (regulations on food, workers)
Yourself (seatbelt laws, drug laws)

8. 2. Law and Order. Government makes laws and
enforces those laws in order to maintain
peace in society. Without law and order there
is anarchy.
3. Public Services. Government privides services
to help society run smoothly and safely. Such
as trash collection, mail, water purification,
firefighters, police
4. Maintain Institutions. Government establishes
and runs many different services such as jails,
courts, hospitals, and schools.

9. Intro to Types of Government
Monarchy
• A single person is the ruler
• The right to rule is passed
down
• Rules for life
• The right to rule comes from
God
• Ruler may have absolute
power or limited power
• Kings, Queens, Emperors
Democracy
Dictatorship
• Ruler has absolute and
unlimited power
• Dictators make laws,
determine how laws are
enforced, and decide
punishments
• Many dictators gain
power through violent
coups
• Citizens control government by voting
• Values the equality of all people
• Government is limited in power

10. Diversity in America
• America is a country made up of immigrants
• The population is becoming more diverse
E Pluribus Unum “From Many, One.”
The Melting Pot
People from different
countries blend into one
American culture
The Salad Bowl
People from different
countries mix together but do
not give up own culture to be
part of the American culture

11. American Values
1. Equality
All citizens are treated equally by
government
3. Justice
2. Freedom
Certain basic human rights are
guaranteed by our government
Laws are applied fairly and equally
to everyone

12. Equality
• Equality is an ideal that we try to
achieve
• “all men are created equal” in the
Declaration of Independence 1776
– Meant white men only
– Women, African Americans, and Native
Americans did not have equal rights
• Today we are truly much more equal
– Except…

13. Freedom
• Declaration of Independence 1776 was
written to declare the U.S. a free country
• The U.S. was built on Natural Rights theory
– Means that people rights come from God, not
government
– Because they come from God they are inalienable,
which means they cannot be taken away
• The Top Freedoms: religion, speech, press,
assembly, petition

14. Justice
• No person can be punished for a crime unless
government follows certain rules and procedures
• People have a right to:
– A speedy trial, an attorney, confront witnesses, a jury
– Protection from cruel and unusual punishment

15. Striving Towards an Ideal
• In the real world we do not find perfect
equality, freedom, and justice
• Our ideals are our goals
• To achieve these goals all citizens must work
to fulfill their duties and responsibilities
“America will lead by defending liberty and
justice, because they are right and true and
unchanging for all people everywhere.”

16. Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens
As an American Citizen you enjoy many rights,
however, to keep those rights you must fulfill
your duties as well as your responsibilities.
Duties are required by law
Responsibilities are implied by the social
contract.

17. Duties of Citizens
1. Obeying the laws. Citizens must uphold their
end of the contract, if they break the law
they lose their rights.
2. Defending the Nation. The military protects
our country’s freedom and rights, we have a
volunteer military.

18. 3. Paying Taxes. Government needs tax money in
order to provide services and exist at all.
4. Jury Duty. People accused of crimes need fair
and responsible jurors.
5. Attending School. Educated citizens are
productive and responsible citizens for the
whole country.

19. Responsibilities of Citizens
1. Respecting the Rights of others. Your Personal
rights are balanced against the rights of others
and the good of the community as a whole.
2. Voting. Voting is how people hold government
accountable. Your vote is your voice.

20. 3. Helping to make society better. Citizens have
a responsibility to help make the community
better. This can be by volunteering, donating
to charity, tutoring, being a hardworking
student and employee, and putting the
common good before personal interests.