Citizenship Chapter Notes | PSHE for Year 6 PDF Download

Introduction

Citizenship is about being a member of a country and understanding what it means to belong to that community. In the United States, being a citizen comes with important rights and responsibilities. This chapter explains how people become citizens through the naturalization process and what it means to be an active citizen by participating in the community and fulfilling duties. These notes will help you understand the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and the ways citizens contribute to their country.

Citizenship and the Naturalization Process

• Citizenship means being a legal member of a country with full rights and responsibilities.
• In the United States, there are two main ways to become a citizen: by birth or through naturalization.
• Becoming a citizen by birth:
  • If you are born in the United States or its territories, you are automatically a U.S. citizen.
  • This is called "birthright citizenship" and is based on the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
  • You are also a citizen if one or both of your parents are U.S. citizens, even if you are born outside the U.S.
• Becoming a citizen through naturalization:
  • Naturalization is the process for people born outside the U.S. to become citizens.
  • To apply for naturalization, a person must meet certain requirements:
  • Eligibility requirements for naturalization:
    • Must be at least 18 years old.
    • Must be a legal permanent resident (have a "green card") for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
    • Must live in the U.S. continuously for the required time without long absences.
    • Must show good moral character, meaning no serious criminal history.
    • Must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
    • Must learn about U.S. history and government (civics).
  • Steps in the naturalization process:
    • File an application (Form N-400) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    • Attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
    • Pass an English test (reading, writing, and speaking).
    • Pass a civics test about U.S. history and government.
    • Take the Oath of Allegiance at a citizenship ceremony, promising to follow U.S. laws and support the Constitution.
  • After completing the process, a person becomes a U.S. citizen with the same rights as someone born in the U.S., except they cannot become president or vice president.
• Benefits of U.S. citizenship:
  • Right to vote in elections.
  • Ability to apply for a U.S. passport for travel.
  • Protection from deportation.
  • Ability to bring family members to the U.S. more easily.
  • Access to certain government jobs and benefits.

Rights and Responsibilities of Active Citizenship

• Active citizenship means taking part in your community and country to make them better.
• U.S. citizens have important rights and responsibilities that help the country work well.
• Rights of U.S. citizens:
  • Freedom of speech: You can express your opinions without fear of government punishment.
  • Freedom of religion: You can practice any religion or no religion at all.
  • Right to vote: Citizens 18 and older can vote in elections to choose leaders.
  • Right to a fair trial: If accused of a crime, you have the right to a lawyer and a fair court process.
  • Freedom to assemble: You can gather peacefully with others to protest or share ideas.
  • Right to petition: You can ask the government to change laws or policies.
  • Right to bear arms: Citizens can own firearms, following state and federal laws.
• Responsibilities of U.S. citizens:
  • Obey laws: Follow federal, state, and local laws to keep the community safe.
  • Pay taxes: Pay federal, state, and local taxes to support public services like schools and roads.
  • Serve on a jury: If called, help decide court cases fairly.
  • Vote: Participate in elections to choose leaders and shape the government.
  • Defend the country: Register for the Selective Service (for males 18-25) in case the country needs a military draft.
  • Stay informed: Learn about issues and leaders to make good decisions for the community.
  • Help the community: Volunteer, clean up public spaces, or help neighbors to make the community stronger.
• Ways to be an active citizen:
  • Vote in local, state, and national elections.
  • Attend community meetings to share ideas and solve problems.
  • Volunteer for local organizations, like food banks or libraries.
  • Learn about current events and issues affecting the country.
  • Contact elected officials to share your opinions on laws or policies.
  • Respect others’ rights and opinions, even if they are different from yours.
  • Recycle and take care of the environment to keep the community clean.
• Active citizenship helps build a strong, fair, and caring community where everyone works together.