Citizenship

What is citizenship?

•Definition- to be a member of a nation or country, and to have full rights and responsibilities under the law

• Three ways of becoming a citizen:• Law of the Soil- any person born on American soil

(either the mainland US or one of it’s territories) automatically becomes a citizen• Law of Blood- any person born outside the US to

parents who are American citizens automatically become a citizen at birth• Naturalization

Naturalization

To be naturalized, you must•Be over 18 years old•Have been a permanent resident of the US for 5 years•Have good character•Speak English•Pass a civics test and interview•Final step- take an Oath of Allegiance swearing loyalty to the US and the Constitution

Oath of Allegiance

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

Rights of Citizens

Things you are allowed to do because of the law/nature (natural rights…thanks John Locke)

Guaranteed by the Constitution/Bill of Rights•Also: • Voting• Running for office

Duties of Citizens

Things we are required to do•Obeying the laws

• Federal, state, and local•Paying taxes•Defending the nation

• Selective service/conscription•Serving in court

• As a witness or on a jury•Attending school

Responsibilities of Citizens

Things we should do on a voluntary basis to be a good citizen•Vote

• Federal, state, and local elections•Stay informed of the issues affecting your country/community•Participate in/influence government

• Express opinions to elected officials- call, write, etc• Hold office

•Respect the rights of others•Work toward a common good

VotingVoting requirements•Be a US Citizen•Be 18 years old (26th Amendment)•Register to vote•Be a resident of a state (usually for at least 30 days)

People who can’t vote•People in mental institutions•People convicted of serious crimes

• Prisoners can’t vote (except in Maine and Vermont)• In NY, felony disenfranchisement ends after parole is

completed•Anyone dishonorably discharged from the armed forces

Why should you vote?• Need to participate in issues of great importance• By voting, people can make sure that their opinion is

shared with community leaders• Decide how their cities, counties, states and the

country should be governed and by whom.

• Voter turnout significantly decreases in off-year elections, congressional elections held in years when there is no presidential election.

• http://www.electproject.org/

Register to Vote

• http://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.html