Good Citizenship
By: Miranda Rudnick & Nick Richter
Who is a citizen?
Citizen: is a person who, by birth or choice, owes allegience to this nation.
Qualifications of a U.S. Citizen:
- born in the United States
- at least one parent was a U.S. citizen before you were born
- If you weren't born in the U.S. you could go throught the naturalization process
- If parents get naturalized and you are under the age of 18, you can become a U.S. citizen
How Can One Become a Citizen?
The first way to become a citizen is at birth. To qualify for the you must:
- be born in the United States or in any territory owned by it.
- have at least one parent that is a U.S. citizen
The second way to become a citizen is through after birth. To qualify for this you must:
- Be under the age of 18 when one of your parent’s become a U.S. citizen.
or
- If you are above the age of 18, you must apply for Naturalization. Naturalization is the process adult immigrants take to become a U.S. citizen, it involves a big test on the english language and U.S. History and Government.
Naturalization Certificate
the thing you receive when you pass the naturalization test.
Taking Oath
you have to take oath once you pass the test to receive citizenship in the U.S.
Citizenship Test
the test you have to take for any type of citizenship, the test costs $695 just to apply.
What Power Does One Have With the "office of cititzen?"
EVERY citizen holds an important position of authority, including you and me. Citizens get to make many decisions in what happens in our country. Including the following: (which our government only does if us citizens agree to it)
- make laws
- build roads
- collect taxes
- make agreements with other countries
Also, another thing citizens take part in is electing representatives and other major people to run our country. And to be able to take part in that as an ordinary citizen is an office we hold for life.
What are the Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Good Citizenship?
Rights:
- right to vote & hold elected office
- right to say what you think in speech or writing
- right to practice own religion
- right to have a fair trial
(rights are guaranteed by constitution, and protected)
Duties:
- obeying the laws
- defending the nation
- serving on a jury or as a witness in court
- paying taxes
- attending school
Responsibilities:
- acting in ways that protect the rights and freedoms of others
- voting
- holding government office
- participating in elections (campaigns)
- influence government by expressing opinons
- serving the community by making it a better place to live
(responsibilities are done by choice (volunteering) and are an important part of being a citizen)