Unit 1

Introduction to Civics

What is a Citizen? Four ways to gain U.S. citizenship

You were born in U.S. or in one of its territories One (or both) of your parents were U.S. citizens when you were born You have gone through Naturalization You were less than 18 years old when your parent(s) were naturalized.

Naturalization ATE-P35-LOG

Age 18 Test on history and government English Speaking Permanent resident 3 Months in current state 5 years in the U.S. Loyalty to the principals of the Constitution Oath of Citizenship Good moral character

Naturalized citizens have all the same rights as natural born citizens except the ability to be President or Vice President.

Citizens control their government by voting for their representatives. You can give up your citizenship, or it can be taken away if you attempt

to overthrow the government.

List 5 ways that government

affects your daily life.

What is government trying to accomplish?

What would life be like without government?

Or…

Question for thought:If you came to school every day

for 7 hours with no classes, structure, rules, adults, etc…

what would happen?Consider: What would be some

advantages/disadvantages? What rights would you have? What might stronger/smarter try to do? What might weaker/less skilled try to do?

John Locke

British Philosopher 1632-1704 Wrote “Two Treatises of Government” in

1689 Huge influence on founding fathers

John Locke State of Nature – a condition in which no

governments or laws exist Natural Rights

Life Liberty Property

Are people generally GOOD or generally SELFISH? Government requires CONSENT of the governed. The main role of government is to PROTECT these

rights. People create a SOCIAL CONTRACT to create a

government to help ensure these rights.

Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens

Rights BENEFITS of citizenship

DutiesREQUIREMENTS of citizenship

ResponsibilitiesEXPECTATIONS of citizenship

RightsThe Constitution gives us the basic rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Some specific rights include:

- Right to vote- Right to free

speech- Right to practice

any religion- Right to a fair trial- Right to petition

the government- Right to assemble- Right to bear arms

- Right to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures

- Right to privacy in all matters in which the rights of others are not violated

Duties Obey the law Defend the nation

How do we fulfill this duty? Does everyone fulfill this duty?

Serve on a jury Serve as a witness

Subpoena - a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court under a penalty for failure

Pay taxes Attend school

Responsibilities Voting Holding government office Participating in election campaigns Influencing government Serving in the community

How many of these have you or your parents participated in?

Other ways you or your parents participate in government?

Why do we have Laws?

To protect rights To promote peace

and order To promote justice

and equality To settle disputes To address and

solve problems

Laws We Follow

Laws we AGREE with

Laws we DISAGREE with

In your notes, think of some laws that you follow (or don’t follow) every day.

Power Write – 100-200 words

Pick a specific law that you disagree with and explain:1. Why do you disagree with this law?2. What GOOD things might happen if this law was removed?3. What BAD things might happen if this law was removed??Examples of laws you might choose:● Must be 14 to work● Downloading free music is illegal● Driving age is 16● Must attend school until age 16● Local curfews● Drinking age is 21● Narcotics (drugs) are illegal● Any other law you have cleared with the teacher

Exam #1 – Intro to Civics Readings:

Civics book: Pgs. 56-67 We The People book: Pgs. 14-20 (John Locke)

Main Topics:1. John Locke

Natural Rights Role of Government

2. Who is a citizen? 4 ways of becoming a U.S. citizen The naturalization process

3. Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Citizenship4. What is the purpose of laws?

Multiple Choice, True/False, Short Answer Use Notes and Homework to study