CIVICS• The study of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of

members of a state or nation.• Analyzes the interaction between citizens and their

government.• A citizen is someone who is entitled to certain rights, and in

turn has certain duties and responsibilities.• Citizenship – includes rights, duties, and responsibilities.

Has roots in Ancient Greece (Athens) and Rome.

• Duties are Something you are required to do as a citizen.

• 1) Obey Laws• 2) Pay Taxes• 3) Jury Duty• 4) Attend School• 5) Register for the Draft

RIGHTS• Something that you are

entitled to as a human being.Categories of Rights

• Security – Protect from harmful behavior.

• Equality – People should have equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, or religious background.

• Liberty – All people should have certain basic freedoms. (Bill of Rights)

RESPONSIBILITIES• Things that you should

do as a citizen.• Be Informed• Voting• Participate in

Government• Respect Others Rights• Respect Diversity

The Americas – A Land of Immigrants

• Asians - 10,000+ years ago – Crossed land bridge from Asia.

• Europeans – Late 1400’s, Early 1500’s. Largest number of immigrants from 1500’s-1900’s.

• Africans – 1619-1808 – more than 500,000 brought into slavery. 1808 Congress banned the slave trade.

• Today – Latin America.

• Given the US population, why is respect for diversity important?

IMMIGRATION• Immigrant – People who move

permanently to a new country. Immigrant plan to become citizens.

• Alien – People from other countries coming to US to work or study. Aliens plan to return to home country.

• Legal – File with government and are given permission to be in the country. (VISA)

• Illegal – Have not been given permission by the government to be in the country.

NATURAL BORN CITIZEN

All people who meet the following criteria are citizens by birth.

1) Born in…• 50 States• Washington D.C.• US Territories – US

Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam

• US Military Base2) Parents Are US

Citizens

NATURALIZATION

The legal process of becoming a citizen of the United States.

1. File Declaration of Intent Form (USCIS)

2. Live in US 5 years – Married 3 years3. Meet with USCIS4. Take Exam5. Take Oath of Allegiance