The American Citizen

Who can be an American Citizen?

• Anybody born in the U.S.• Anybody who goes through the naturalization

process• If both or one of your parents are U.S. citizens

Types of Citizenship

• Natural Born– Citizenship obtained by birth• Parents are U.S. citizens• Born on U.S. soil (even if parents are not U.S. citizens)

Types of Citizenship

• Naturalization– Process in which non-citizens (aliens) become

citizens– The process:• Declaration of Intention• Live in the U.S. for at least 5 years• Take classes• Take a citizenship exam• Take an oath of allegiance

What comes with American Citizenship?

• Rights• Duties• Responsibilities

Right(s)

• A Right is:– Something that is due or owed to a citizen by law

What are some examples of a right in this country?

Duties

• Duties are:– Things citizens are required or must do

What are some examples of duties in this country?o Obey lawso Pay taxeso Sign up for the draft at 18 (males only)o Jury dutyo Attend school

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities are:– Things citizens should do but are not required by law

What are some examples of responsibilities in this country?

o Be informedo Voteo Respect the rights of otherso Respect diversity (Tolerance)

The American Identity

Identity

Questions: –What is an identity?–What are some ways in which

identity is determined?

Describing the American Identity

Question: –What determines the American Identity?

• E Pluribus Unum (“From many, the one”)• A nation of diversity (different cultures,

ethnicities, beliefs)

Challenges to the American Identity

• Melting Pot Theory• Tossed Salad Theory• Immigration• Stereotypes

Challenges to the American Identity

• Melting Pot Theory–Promotes the idea of assimilation into

mainstream society• Encourages a blending into one

main/dominant culture• People should give up cultural differences

& conform

Challenges to the American Identity

• Tossed Salad Theory–Promotes the idea of multiculturalism• Encourages cultural differences• People should keep their cultural

identities & add to society

Immigration

• Immigrant– A person who comes to the U.S. from another

country to live permanently• Illegal Immigrant– A person who comes to the U.S. from another

country to live permanently without permission• Alien– A person who is a non-citizen & who owes

allegiance to another country

Defend the Following Claims:

• “American is at its best when it is a Melting Pot/Tossed Salad”

• “American is a nation of Immigrants”