CHAPTER 1- American Citizenship
1.1 Textbook Reading- Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy and originally published in the September 8, 1892 issue of The Youth’s Companion. It has been memorized by generations of schoolchildren and adults. Have you ever stopped to consider what the words mean?
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge is an unofficial oath or statement of loyalty. It sums up what it means to be a United States citizen.
I pledge allegiance…
Think about what loyalty means in your own life. To whom and what are you loyal? Your family? Friends? Teachers? Perhaps you belong to a club or team or other organization to which you feel loyal.
Loyalty, or Allegiance means devotion, affection, and attachment. Loyalty to your country is the basis of citizenship. A citizen is a person who:
…to the flag of the United States of America…
Why pledge allegiance to a flag? A flag is a piece of fabric on a stick or a pole? It is true that the flag is a symbol of the United States, but why bother putting the word “flag?” Why not simply put “I Pledge Allegiance to the United States of America?”
A flag is more than a symbol of the United States. It is the symbol of the contract between the government and the citizens of the United States:
Think of a medieval castle on a hill. Above that castle is a flag. All those who live within the sight of that flag are under the protection of the King and his knights. In return the people who live under that flag support the King and the knights by giving up a portion of their goods to make sure that protection can exist.
Of course the United States is more complex than a medieval feudal system, but the purpose of the flag remains as a symbolic contract.
…and to the republic for which it stands…
A republic is a type of government ruled by the people. The United States is a Democratic Republic. That means that the people are able to vote for representatives who make the laws and lead the country or their state (Republic). Citizens are given the opportunity to directly influence their government through direct voting for local officials, state laws, and at times citizens are given the right to vote on specific laws and taxes proposed by the federal government (Direct Democracy.)
Why is this important? Many times people in the United States believe that they are powerless in the government. The establishment of the Constitution placed only one group of people in control of the government—The People. It is worth noting that the Pledge of Allegiance is not requiring you to pledge allegiance to those people who hold seats in Congress or the President; instead the Pledge gives a citizen’s allegiance technically to the People. More importantly this part of the pledge demands that we protect the government that keeps the people in power.
…one nation, under God…
Undoubtedly this is the most controversial part of the Pledge of Allegiance. Whether you personally believe in God or not is not the question. Instead we will focus on the concept of Popular Sovereignty.
Popular Sovereignty is the belief that the people rule the government. As I mentioned above, the United States is a Democratic Republic. The concept of Direct Democracy requires that all citizens have a say in the government and whatever the majority of the people believe becomes law.
Pretend, for a moment, that you are with a group of ten of your friends. You are trying to decide where to go for lunch. You have two choices—Pizza and hamburgers. Four of your friends vote for hamburgers. Six of your friends vote for pizza. Under the rules of Direct Democracy you and your friend go out for Pizza. This exercise is known as Popular Sovereignty—The majority rules.
The phrase “One nation, under God” is a prime example of Popular Sovereignty in the United States. As I said above the phrase is controversial. Many people are unhappy with the connection of the word God with the Government of the United States, and numerous times there have been requests by different organizations to remove it from the Pledge.
Religion in the United States:
The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy and originally published in the September 8, 1892 issue of The Youth’s Companion. It has been memorized by generations of schoolchildren and adults. Have you ever stopped to consider what the words mean?
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge is an unofficial oath or statement of loyalty. It sums up what it means to be a United States citizen.
I pledge allegiance…
Think about what loyalty means in your own life. To whom and what are you loyal? Your family? Friends? Teachers? Perhaps you belong to a club or team or other organization to which you feel loyal.
Loyalty, or Allegiance means devotion, affection, and attachment. Loyalty to your country is the basis of citizenship. A citizen is a person who:
- Owes allegiance to a government.
- Is entitled to governmental protection in exchange for that allegiance.
- Has certain rights and privileges as well as responsibilities, that come with citizenship.
…to the flag of the United States of America…
Why pledge allegiance to a flag? A flag is a piece of fabric on a stick or a pole? It is true that the flag is a symbol of the United States, but why bother putting the word “flag?” Why not simply put “I Pledge Allegiance to the United States of America?”
A flag is more than a symbol of the United States. It is the symbol of the contract between the government and the citizens of the United States:
Think of a medieval castle on a hill. Above that castle is a flag. All those who live within the sight of that flag are under the protection of the King and his knights. In return the people who live under that flag support the King and the knights by giving up a portion of their goods to make sure that protection can exist.
Of course the United States is more complex than a medieval feudal system, but the purpose of the flag remains as a symbolic contract.
- The first purpose for government is protection. (Military, Police, etc.) The government is responsible for protecting citizens from other countries, other people, etc.
- In return for that protection, we as citizens are expected to help keep the government working by following rules and providing the government with the means to make that protection possible such as taxes.
…and to the republic for which it stands…
A republic is a type of government ruled by the people. The United States is a Democratic Republic. That means that the people are able to vote for representatives who make the laws and lead the country or their state (Republic). Citizens are given the opportunity to directly influence their government through direct voting for local officials, state laws, and at times citizens are given the right to vote on specific laws and taxes proposed by the federal government (Direct Democracy.)
Why is this important? Many times people in the United States believe that they are powerless in the government. The establishment of the Constitution placed only one group of people in control of the government—The People. It is worth noting that the Pledge of Allegiance is not requiring you to pledge allegiance to those people who hold seats in Congress or the President; instead the Pledge gives a citizen’s allegiance technically to the People. More importantly this part of the pledge demands that we protect the government that keeps the people in power.
…one nation, under God…
Undoubtedly this is the most controversial part of the Pledge of Allegiance. Whether you personally believe in God or not is not the question. Instead we will focus on the concept of Popular Sovereignty.
Popular Sovereignty is the belief that the people rule the government. As I mentioned above, the United States is a Democratic Republic. The concept of Direct Democracy requires that all citizens have a say in the government and whatever the majority of the people believe becomes law.
Pretend, for a moment, that you are with a group of ten of your friends. You are trying to decide where to go for lunch. You have two choices—Pizza and hamburgers. Four of your friends vote for hamburgers. Six of your friends vote for pizza. Under the rules of Direct Democracy you and your friend go out for Pizza. This exercise is known as Popular Sovereignty—The majority rules.
The phrase “One nation, under God” is a prime example of Popular Sovereignty in the United States. As I said above the phrase is controversial. Many people are unhappy with the connection of the word God with the Government of the United States, and numerous times there have been requests by different organizations to remove it from the Pledge.
Religion in the United States:
https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/Links to an external site.
The study above was conducted by PEW Research. Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. Historically to now, they do not take policy positions. In the above 2014 study less than 1.5% of the United States is designated "Other Faiths" and of that percentage 3.1% considers themselves Atheist. Since the majority of the United States (98.5%) believes in some form of God, all arguments for removing the phrase “Under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance have failed with the Supreme Court. However, in the future, if those who do not believe in God grow to a larger portion of the population than those who do believe in God—the phrase will most likely be removed.
Another example of Popular Sovereignty was acceptance of slavery in the United States. In 1776 when the founding fathers created the Constitution many members were against keeping slavery in the United States; however, the larger more populated states—the southern states—refused. The Constitution was originally written with a reluctant acceptance of slavery. Less than eighty years later the population of the United States had shifted. The Northern states who had industrialized had gained in population while the Southern states had stayed relatively the same. The result of this population shift was the push to end slavery in the United States that eventually led to the election of President Lincoln. The Southern states, realizing that Popular Sovereignty was no longer in support of slavery, opted to leave the nation.
…indivisible...
Indivisible—this phrase does not seem to represent the United States. The citizens of the US seem divided by every possible topic: Government Affiliation (Republican or Democrat- Liberal or Conservative), Religion, Gun Control, Abortion, Gay and Lesbian Rights, Drug Control, Whether to Continue the Space Program, Immigration...we even argue about our car brands and the best cola on the market. From another nation’s perspective the United States must seem like one of the most divided nations in the world.
Yet, when the country has come under fire, such as—the sinking of the Lusitania, Pearl Harbor, and 9-11, the United States has united together against a common foe. Despite our differences, the citizens of the United States have banded together countless times to help people and other countries that have been stricken by natural disasters, attacks by other nations, sickness, and famine.
…with liberty and justice for all.
Liberty and Justice are two of the three common American values. As a nation we unite behind a belief that all people have basic rights that cannot be taken away and that laws must be applied fairly and equally to everyone. That is not to say that throughout history we have followed these ideals to all people. When the Constitution was first written these concepts were only applied to white land owners with an education. Throughout history these ideals have caused our government to expand to protect Women, Children, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, LGBTQ and countless other minorities.
The Constitution is known as a Living Document. This means that it continues to change. The United States is not perfect, but the nature of the governmental system created by the Founding Fathers continually pushes the government toward achieving that ideal.
The study above was conducted by PEW Research. Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. Historically to now, they do not take policy positions. In the above 2014 study less than 1.5% of the United States is designated "Other Faiths" and of that percentage 3.1% considers themselves Atheist. Since the majority of the United States (98.5%) believes in some form of God, all arguments for removing the phrase “Under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance have failed with the Supreme Court. However, in the future, if those who do not believe in God grow to a larger portion of the population than those who do believe in God—the phrase will most likely be removed.
Another example of Popular Sovereignty was acceptance of slavery in the United States. In 1776 when the founding fathers created the Constitution many members were against keeping slavery in the United States; however, the larger more populated states—the southern states—refused. The Constitution was originally written with a reluctant acceptance of slavery. Less than eighty years later the population of the United States had shifted. The Northern states who had industrialized had gained in population while the Southern states had stayed relatively the same. The result of this population shift was the push to end slavery in the United States that eventually led to the election of President Lincoln. The Southern states, realizing that Popular Sovereignty was no longer in support of slavery, opted to leave the nation.
…indivisible...
Indivisible—this phrase does not seem to represent the United States. The citizens of the US seem divided by every possible topic: Government Affiliation (Republican or Democrat- Liberal or Conservative), Religion, Gun Control, Abortion, Gay and Lesbian Rights, Drug Control, Whether to Continue the Space Program, Immigration...we even argue about our car brands and the best cola on the market. From another nation’s perspective the United States must seem like one of the most divided nations in the world.
Yet, when the country has come under fire, such as—the sinking of the Lusitania, Pearl Harbor, and 9-11, the United States has united together against a common foe. Despite our differences, the citizens of the United States have banded together countless times to help people and other countries that have been stricken by natural disasters, attacks by other nations, sickness, and famine.
…with liberty and justice for all.
Liberty and Justice are two of the three common American values. As a nation we unite behind a belief that all people have basic rights that cannot be taken away and that laws must be applied fairly and equally to everyone. That is not to say that throughout history we have followed these ideals to all people. When the Constitution was first written these concepts were only applied to white land owners with an education. Throughout history these ideals have caused our government to expand to protect Women, Children, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, LGBTQ and countless other minorities.
The Constitution is known as a Living Document. This means that it continues to change. The United States is not perfect, but the nature of the governmental system created by the Founding Fathers continually pushes the government toward achieving that ideal.
1.2 Textbook Reading- Types of Citizenship
Types of Citizenship:
A person can generally become a citizen in one of two ways.
A person can generally become a citizen in one of two ways.
- Native Citizenship: If you are born in a country you are recognized as a native. If you are born in the United States you are automatically a United States citizen. Children of American parents born outside of the United States may also be citizens.
- Naturalized Citizenship: If you are born elsewhere and want to become a citizen, you must complete a process to become a Naturalized citizen.
- At least 18 years old.
- A lawful , permanent resident of the United States for five years (or three years if your spouse has been a United States Citizen for at least three years)
- Be willing to swear loyalty to the United States.
- Of good moral character.
- Be able to read, write, ad speak simple English.
- Be knowledgeable about the US Government and History.
1.3 Textbook Reading- Membership in a SocietY
Membership in a Society:
As a citizen, you are a member of a society. (A community bound together by a common interest and standards.) Do you belong to a club or team? As a member of that group or society, you agree to follow its rules. In the same way, as a citizen of the United States, you must obey the laws or rules of the country.
Government and Society.Government is the organization that establishes and executes the policies including the laws and rules used by members of a society or community of people. However setting up rules is only part of the government’s job.
Reasons for government:
The Nation’s Security:
The most important purpose of government is to protect its people. Protection is the government’s half of the bargain in the contract of citizenship. You give allegiance to a country, and the country gives you its protection. The U.S. government protects you from:
Law and Order:
Laws provide order in a society. People in a society need order so that they can do the things they want or need to do every day—going to school, doing a job, or shopping in the mall. It is the government’s job to make and enforce laws that will provide order. Without law and order, we would live in a state of anarchy--Complete disorder and confusion that result from the absence of government.
Public Services:
The government also provides public services that make society run more smoothly. These services help promote order and health in a society. Some public services provided by the government in the United States include:
Maintaining Other Institutions:
Since a wide variety of services are necessary for the good of any community, the government is responsible for establishing and maintaining important service institutions such as:
As a citizen, you are a member of a society. (A community bound together by a common interest and standards.) Do you belong to a club or team? As a member of that group or society, you agree to follow its rules. In the same way, as a citizen of the United States, you must obey the laws or rules of the country.
Government and Society.Government is the organization that establishes and executes the policies including the laws and rules used by members of a society or community of people. However setting up rules is only part of the government’s job.
Reasons for government:
The Nation’s Security:
The most important purpose of government is to protect its people. Protection is the government’s half of the bargain in the contract of citizenship. You give allegiance to a country, and the country gives you its protection. The U.S. government protects you from:
- Foreign Nations (through the Armed Forces)
- Other people (through laws against assault and battery, theft, murder, and so on, and through law enforcement agents, such as police officers.)
- Corporations and businesses (through consumer protection laws and other regulations.)
- Yourself (through seatbelt laws, helmet laws, laws against suicide, and so on.)
Law and Order:
Laws provide order in a society. People in a society need order so that they can do the things they want or need to do every day—going to school, doing a job, or shopping in the mall. It is the government’s job to make and enforce laws that will provide order. Without law and order, we would live in a state of anarchy--Complete disorder and confusion that result from the absence of government.
Public Services:
The government also provides public services that make society run more smoothly. These services help promote order and health in a society. Some public services provided by the government in the United States include:
- Street cleaning and garbage removal in most urban and suburban areas (through local sanitation departments.)
- Letter and parcel delivery (through the U.S. Postal Service)
- Water purification (through city, county, and state agencies.)
Maintaining Other Institutions:
Since a wide variety of services are necessary for the good of any community, the government is responsible for establishing and maintaining important service institutions such as:
- Public schools, to provide and education.
- Jails, to keep communities safe.
- Some types of hospitals to provide health care.
1.4- Textbook Reading- What Unites America?
What Unites America:Americans are united by a common ideal or vision, sometimes known as the American Dream. What does the American Dream mean to you? Perhaps it means being able to own a car or a home. Maybe it means going to college, getting the ideal job, or becoming President of the United States.
Because you live in America, you have the opportunity to see your dreams come true. No dreams are guaranteed, of course, but you have the right to pursue your dreams. Many people come to America from other countries to be able to do so. However, to understand the dream more fully, you need to understand our roots as a nation. We are a varied nation bound together by common values.
Diversity in America:
America is a country made up of immigrants: People who were born elsewhere, but who came here in order to settle permanently. From 1820 to 1930, the United States received about 60 percent of the world’s immigrants. In the last century, the United States welcomed over 17 million new naturalized citizens through immigration.
2020 Census Data: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045222
Because you live in America, you have the opportunity to see your dreams come true. No dreams are guaranteed, of course, but you have the right to pursue your dreams. Many people come to America from other countries to be able to do so. However, to understand the dream more fully, you need to understand our roots as a nation. We are a varied nation bound together by common values.
Diversity in America:
America is a country made up of immigrants: People who were born elsewhere, but who came here in order to settle permanently. From 1820 to 1930, the United States received about 60 percent of the world’s immigrants. In the last century, the United States welcomed over 17 million new naturalized citizens through immigration.
2020 Census Data: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045222
Chart 1- 2010 data:
Predictions for 2050
The two charts above are based on the United States Census. In 2020 the United States was required by the Constitution to count the population of the United States. That data is still being collected, but the predictions are given above. The first chart was based on the 2010 census. The United States is required to assess the population every ten years. This is done for representation purposes in Congress. We'll be talking about that in a later unit. Looking at the data above- what population shifts can you see happening in the United States? What do you think the chart for 2030 will look like?
The American population is becoming more diverse or varied. According to the 2010 U.S. census, about 13 percent of the United States Population was born in another country. Since its founding in 1776, and even before then when most immigrants were British, the United States has become home for people from around the world, including approximately 250,000 Africans who came as slaves. As these immigrants have made America their home, our country has become a wonderful mixture of people culture and hope.
With all this diversity no one should be surprised that our national motto is E Pluribus Unum, a Latin phrase meaning “From Many One.”
How do the many become one? People have answered that question by making comparisons:
The Melting Pot:
Just as different metals are fused together in the heating process, people from different countries blend into the American culture over time, and the final product is stronger as a result.
Critics have objected to the image of a melting pot, pointing out that the image suggests that immigrants must give up their cultures to be part of the American culture.
The Salad Bowl:
Recently, some people have begun describing the country as a salad bowl or a mosaic to suggest that people don’t have to give up their native culture to be an American.
Whatever image you prefer, America is a better place because so many different cultures have joined together into one nation.
AMERICAN VALUES:
The values that define our country help to unite this land of immigrants. These values are the foundation for our government and legal system. They include:
These rights are:
Striving toward an ideal:
Ideals are noble. However, in the real world, we don’t find perfect equality, perfect freedom, or perfect justice in our (or any other) country. Perhaps you know someone who was treated unfairly by the government or by law officers. Maybe you find some laws unfair. Maybe you’re concerned that some people have been put in jail for crimes they didn’t commit.
The real world isn’t perfect, but by working together as citizens toward this common dream, we can get closer to achieving our countries ideals.
The American population is becoming more diverse or varied. According to the 2010 U.S. census, about 13 percent of the United States Population was born in another country. Since its founding in 1776, and even before then when most immigrants were British, the United States has become home for people from around the world, including approximately 250,000 Africans who came as slaves. As these immigrants have made America their home, our country has become a wonderful mixture of people culture and hope.
With all this diversity no one should be surprised that our national motto is E Pluribus Unum, a Latin phrase meaning “From Many One.”
How do the many become one? People have answered that question by making comparisons:
The Melting Pot:
Just as different metals are fused together in the heating process, people from different countries blend into the American culture over time, and the final product is stronger as a result.
Critics have objected to the image of a melting pot, pointing out that the image suggests that immigrants must give up their cultures to be part of the American culture.
The Salad Bowl:
Recently, some people have begun describing the country as a salad bowl or a mosaic to suggest that people don’t have to give up their native culture to be an American.
Whatever image you prefer, America is a better place because so many different cultures have joined together into one nation.
AMERICAN VALUES:
The values that define our country help to unite this land of immigrants. These values are the foundation for our government and legal system. They include:
- Equality- All citizens are treated equally by the government.
- Freedom- Certain basic human rights are guaranteed by the government.
- Freedom of Religion
- Freedom of Speech
- Freedom of the Press
- Freedom to meet in groups peacefully
- Freedom to make the government aware of ideas and concerns.
These rights are:
- Life
- Liberty
- Pursuit of Property and Happiness
- Justice- Laws are applied fairly and equally to everyone.
- To a speedy and public trial
- To have an attorney when accused of a crime.
- To have witnesses testify in court.
- To trial by jury in specific cases.
- To protection from cruel punishment.
Striving toward an ideal:
Ideals are noble. However, in the real world, we don’t find perfect equality, perfect freedom, or perfect justice in our (or any other) country. Perhaps you know someone who was treated unfairly by the government or by law officers. Maybe you find some laws unfair. Maybe you’re concerned that some people have been put in jail for crimes they didn’t commit.
The real world isn’t perfect, but by working together as citizens toward this common dream, we can get closer to achieving our countries ideals.
1.5- Textbook Reading: Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship:Becoming a good citizen is one way to participate actively in the American Dream. As an American Citizen, you enjoy many rights. However, your rights come with duties required by law, as well as responsibilities.
Duties of Citizens:
In return for your rights and your government’s protection, you are asked to fulfill certain duties as a citizen. A duty is a requirement. If you do not fulfill your duties to your country you can receive penalties and/or serve jail time.
Your duties, as a citizen, include:
We need the military to defend our country and protect our way of life. Defending our country—through military or nonmilitary service—is a necessary part of citizenship.
The government uses taxes to raise money to provide services for the good of the people. These services include: Public schooling, Garbage removal, Recycling, Mail Delivery, Operating the military, and so on. Society benefits from the services provided by the government, so everyone should help pay for them.
As an American citizen, you will probably receive a call to serve on a jury at least once in your life. This will be our opportunity to participate in the legal processes of our country. Failure to report for jury duty can be punished with fines.
Responsibilities of Citizens:
Citizens must do more than just obey the law. Citizens have other responsibilities. A responsibility is not a requirement. The government would like you to better the country by doing the following, but there is no penalty if you refuse.
Your personal rights are always balanced against the rights of others and the good of the community as a whole. Remember the Constitution says: “We the People—not I the Person.”
Often people don’t vote because they believe that their one vote cannot make a difference. If you ever feel this way, remember that throughout history, people have fought and even died for the right to vote. More importantly several key decisions have come down to one or two votes.
Duties of Citizens:
In return for your rights and your government’s protection, you are asked to fulfill certain duties as a citizen. A duty is a requirement. If you do not fulfill your duties to your country you can receive penalties and/or serve jail time.
Your duties, as a citizen, include:
- Obeying the laws of local, state, and national governments
- Defending the nation
We need the military to defend our country and protect our way of life. Defending our country—through military or nonmilitary service—is a necessary part of citizenship.
- Paying taxes
The government uses taxes to raise money to provide services for the good of the people. These services include: Public schooling, Garbage removal, Recycling, Mail Delivery, Operating the military, and so on. Society benefits from the services provided by the government, so everyone should help pay for them.
- Serving on a jury
As an American citizen, you will probably receive a call to serve on a jury at least once in your life. This will be our opportunity to participate in the legal processes of our country. Failure to report for jury duty can be punished with fines.
- Attending school
Responsibilities of Citizens:
Citizens must do more than just obey the law. Citizens have other responsibilities. A responsibility is not a requirement. The government would like you to better the country by doing the following, but there is no penalty if you refuse.
- Promoting each other’s rights.
Your personal rights are always balanced against the rights of others and the good of the community as a whole. Remember the Constitution says: “We the People—not I the Person.”
- Voting.
Often people don’t vote because they believe that their one vote cannot make a difference. If you ever feel this way, remember that throughout history, people have fought and even died for the right to vote. More importantly several key decisions have come down to one or two votes.
- Helping to make a better society.