Good Citizenship

- Being a U.S citizen entails certain rights, duties, and privlages.

-You were born in the United States or one of the territories like Puerto Rico. Even if you parents are not legally living in the U.S

-It does not matter where you were born, as long as one of your parents is a legal citizen so are you.

-You have gone through the process of becoming a U.S citizen, which is called naturalization.

-You are less than 18 years old when your parents are naturalized.

- You Become a legal citizen through the naturalization process.

Step 1- Submit an application for citizenship to the U.S citizenship and Immigration services.

Step 2- Examination

-You need to prove you are 18 years or older.

-You have lived in the country for at least 5 years and lived in the state for at least 3 years.

-You need to have good moral character. For example: not have been committed of a crime.

-You need to be loyal to the United States and the constitution.

-You also need to know how to read, write and speak the English language.

-Know the history and government of the U.S.

Step 3- Final Hearing

-You will appear in front of a court and a judge with the final decision.

-you will take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States

• to become a legal U.S citizen it costs $695.

Citizens have the power to make decisions and to pass laws. We give/lend our power to them. We we elect someone to be our representative, the representative can speak and act for their fellow citizens in government. Citizens have the power to decide what our government will and will not do. As citizens, we hold that office for life.

Rights (can do’s)

• to vote and to hold elected office
• to say what you think in speech/writing
• to practice own religion
• to have a fair trial

Duties (must do’s)

• obey the laws
• defending the nation
• serving on a jury or as a witness in court
• paying taxes
• attending school

Responsibilities (should do’s)

• working toward the common good
• voting
• holding government office
• participating in election campaigns
• influencing government