Notes

What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States? A citizen is a person who is a member of our country. As a citizen, you give your loyalty to the U.S. government. In return, the government protects you and all your rights granted in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

If you were born in the United States, you are already a citizen. If you were born in a U.S. territory or another country and one of your parents is a citizen, then you are a citizen. Not everyone who lives in our country is a citizen. Some people have to become citizens through naturalization.

Naturalization is a long process. First, a person must be at least eighteen years old. Before anyone can apply, he or she needs to be a legal resident for at least five years, and he needs to display good moral character and loyalty to our country. To become citizens, people must also be able to read, write, and speak English, have knowledge and understanding of United States history and government, and believe in the Constitution. In addition, they must be willing to take an oath of loyalty to the U.S. If they meet these requirements, they can submit an application for citizenship. The next step is to take an exam to prove they meet the conditions of becoming a citizen. The final phase is to appear in court and take an oath of allegiance.

As a citizen, you have many rights and privileges. You also have many duties. As you grow, you will have more rights, privileges, and responsibilities.

At age eighteen, you will be able to vote. A vote is the power to take part in our government. By voting, you choose a man or woman to represent you in the government. Before using this right, carefully study the views of the candidates. This will help you to make wise choices. If you choose not to vote, you give up the right to take part in our government.

Even now, you can participate in the election process. Candidates need help in their campaigns. Maybe you can distribute flyers with your mom or dad. You can find out about different candidates and their beliefs. You can also research the different political parties, so you know which one to follow. The internet, newspapers, magazines, teachers, and your parents can provide information to help you make these decisions.

One day, you will be responsible for paying taxes. The largest portion of funds the government receives comes from income tax. When you get a job, your employer will hold back money to give to the government. The government uses this money to provide many services that improve our lives and keep us safe. It helps to pay for our armed forces, roads, education, health, police, fire departments, and our court system. Other services provided include bank regulation and insurance, conservation of natural resources, and relief and aid in emergencies.

If you are a male, you will be required to register at age eighteen to serve in the military. Branches of the military include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard. These armed forces protect us in times of war and peace. Women can also serve in the armed services. However, if you are female, you are not required to register at this time.

As a citizen, you need to obey the laws in our country. Federal, state, and local governments make laws for our safety. Police, firefighters, and many other government agencies help to administer these laws. By obeying the laws of our country, you not only protect yourself, you also protect the people around you. When these laws are broken, the courts decided the proper penalty.

When you become an adult, you may serve on a jury. Our court systems judges those accused of breaking the law. Our Bill of Rights gives everyone in the United States the right to a fair trial. In a trial, a jury listens to both sides of the story. Then they make a decision about whether the accused person is guilty or innocent.

In your community, there are many ways you can be a good citizen. You can attend town meetings to find out about important things happening in your town. Many cities televise their meetings. Town and city officials talk about projects and concerns in your city or town. You can use this information to get involved in projects or volunteer service. Projects may include cleaning parks, painting recreation centers, or visiting an elderly shut in.

A good citizen also respects the rights and property of others. Showing kindness to the people around you is being a good citizen. Is there a new student in your school? You can make friends with them and help them to feel welcome. Did you find something that belongs to someone else? Turn it in to lost and found or the police. Even small things matter. Picking up trash, and recycling are all ways we can show good citizenship.

Men and women fought hard for us to enjoy the rights we have. Now it is up to you to know your responsibilities as a citizen in America.