Transcript Civics 10 Chapter 5

American Citizenry
US citizenship is defined in the _?_ Amendment. “All
persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of
the US.”
1. Law of the Soil (citizenship by birth)
Anyone born on American soil or in US territories
becomes an American citizen
-Even if the child’s parents are not American
citizens
-Includes areas under US jurisdiction like military
posts in other countries
Exceptions: children of foreign diplomats under
jurisdiction of a foreign country (no US citizenship)
2. Law of Blood (birth)
Any person born outside the US with American
parents become US citizens
Note: At least 1 parent must have lived in the US
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Naturalization: an immigrant becoming an
American citizen
Immigrant: those who come to the US from
foreign nations
Common countries where immigrants come
from:
Past
Present
Germany
Mexico
Great Britian
SE Asia: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia
Ireland
Cuba
France
China
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1882 Chinese Exclusion Act: 10 year ban
1921 Quota System: limited the number of
immigrants each country could send to the US each
year (150,000 per year)
*Preference system: favored immigrants with needed
skills. Northern/Western European nations favored
Today: 270,000 immigrants can enter the US each
year
*Refugees (Special Immigrants) flee their country for
protection and safety
*A certain number that is determined by Congress is
allowed to enter each year.
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18 years old, entered the US legally, lived
here for 5 years, can read, write, speak
simple English, good moral character
Fill out a Petition (an official request to
become a US citizen), INS will usually
investigate, citizenship test
Oath of Allegiance- new citizen is given a
Naturalization Certificate
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Expatriation- choosing to give up citizenship
by become a citizen of another country
Why? Move away and won’t return, serve in a
foreign army
Exception: Dual Citizenship
Punishment for Crimes- treason, rebellion,
attempt to overthrow the national
government. States cannot take away
citizenship
Denaturalization- naturalized citizens losing
citizenship
Why? Subversive, lied on a petition
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American Nationals: non-citizens living in American
Possessions (example: Samoa, Guam, etc.)
- Can’t vote or hold public office.
- They are protected by the National government of
the US.
Aliens: non-citizens living in the US
-Come to the US for various reasons: to study, work,
vacation, obtain US citizenship
-Restrictions:
a. Must have a Visa: a government permit to be in
the country
b. Can’t vote or hold public office
c. Deportation: removal from country if they do not
obey the law
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Illegal Aliens: immigrants entering the
country without permission (Visa)
-Causes: political upheaval (Vietnam and
Haiti), poverty (Haiti, Cuba, Mexico)
-Sources if illegal immigrants are ?
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Public Opinion: total of all the different views of
the people on certain people and issues
Opinion Leaders: those who shape current public
opinion
-Examples: pro athletes, governors, actors, politicians,
congressman
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Propaganda: techniques used to shape and
persuade people’s opinions
1. Important tool in totalitarian countries (govt has total
control). Why? These governments use it to control
people because freedoms are limited
2. Democratic countries: propaganda is vital for open
debate on various topics. *Helps to make the best
decisions (ex: before elections/wartime)
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Bandwagon: everyone else is doing it. Why
don’t you? (ex. I’m voting for Obama, why
don’t you?)
Name Calling: (mudslinging) attaching a label
to an opponent or issue (ex. Radical,
unAmerican)
Card Stacking: giving only one side of an
issue (ex. Health care reform- talk about
how great it will be but ignore the costs
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Plain Folks: pretend to be just like everyone
else (ex. Common man *Jackson)
Glittering Generalities: using vague
statesments everyone agrees with (ex. “Keep
America Free”, symbolism vs. substance)
Testimonial: having well known people
support the issues even if they know little
about them (ex. Hollywood actors, pro
athletes)