Citizenship

Anyone can be a U.S citizen, but there are certain requirements that need to be met. You are a legal citizen if you were born in the United States or one of it's territory's, at least one of your parents was a United States Citizen when you were born, if you are naturalized, or if you were less than 18 years of age when your parents were naturalized. If you are not a legal citizen you can become one by following a process called naturalization.

As a United States citizen you have Should Do's, Can Do's, and Must Do's.

Should Do's ( Responsibilities )

• Responsibilities are optional meaning, you don't have to do them but it'd be better if you did.
• Responsibilities include: Working toward the Common Good, Voting, Participating in Election Campaigns, Influence the Government ( by expressing feelings or creating an organization ), and Serving the Community.
• Example: Working toward the Common Good, by doing things like Community Service is optional, you don't have to do it but it'd make a positive impact if you did.

Can Do's ( Rights )

• Rights are Freedoms and things that you can do.
• Rights include: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Right to Fair Trial, and Protection by Law.
• Rights are guaranteed, meaning you always will have these rights!
• Example: You have and always will have the freedom to follow what ever Religion you chose!

Must Do's ( Duties )

• Duties are things that you have to do, they are not optional. Duties are the law, and you have no choice but to follow them.
• Duties include: Obeying Laws, Defending our Nation, Serving on a jury or as a witness in court ( if told to ), Paying taxes, and Attending School.
• Example: In the state of Wisconsin it is a duty that you attend school until the age of 18!

to become a citizen at birth you must...
-have been born in the united states or territories in the united states
-at least one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth.
-when parents take naturalization test you must be under the age of 18.
-if the child was born outside of the united states, the at least one parent must be a citizen or they served in the us armed forces, worked in the us government, employed with certain international organizations.
-can become a citizen after living in the us for 5 years or 3 years if married to a citizen.

naturalization
-if not a citizen you must take a naturalization test.
-you must know how to speak, write, and read english well and civics (U.S. government and history)
-if not passed, you have 60-90 days to retest on the things you missed.
~can become a citizen after living in the us for 5 years or 3 years if married to a citizen.

benefits for being a citizen
-vote
-passport to travel

cant become a citizen if you commit crimes like..
-murder
-rape
-sexual abuse of a child
-trafficking in drugs, firearms, or people.

Every citizen has an important role and authority. In the United States our Government does things like make laws, build roads, etc. but they will only do so if us as citizens want them to. We play a huge role in the government. We elect members of congress, the President, mayors, governors, and judges. Believe it or not, we have a lot of power. As citizens we help make big decisions and pass laws. We may vote people into office, but citizens hold office for life.