WE THE PEOPLE

What values does the Statue

of Liberty represent?

Main Ideas of Section 1 (1) As a citizen we must preserve our values.(2) We study civics because it is our responsibility to be educated.3. We have to perform our duties to keep the country free.4. We need to stand up for what we believe in and fight injustice, inequality and loss of our freedoms.5. We have a responsibility to not only our country but the world as a beacon of freedom.

 

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world; ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

— John F. Kennedy

The United States is a model of freedom and democracy for the rest of the world. Our continued success as a country depends on whether citizens like YOU take an active part in our government.

The study of citizenship and the government.

What is a citizen?A legally recognized member of a country.

Are all rights of a citizen the same in every country?No

What is government?Organizations, institutions and individuals

that exercise political authority over the people and the people in return need to be responsible citizens.

Members of:FamilySchool CommunityWork CommunityTown/City Community

In all these roles you need to be a person who fulfills your responsibility.

Example: Members of a team vs. citizens of a country. What happens if no one plays? Do you have a team? Discuss.

EqualityNo one is “more equal” than another

person Liberty

Freedoms of speech, religion, etc. are our rights.

JusticeEveryone is entitled to fair and equal

treatment under the law Police prevent crimes Courts punish criminalsDiscussion: Is there one law for the rich and a separate law for the poor?

Melting Pot

Mixing Bowl

We Are a Nation of Immigrants!

Early America (12,000 to 40,000 years ago) -people came from Asia and are said to be the ancestors of the American Indians.

Europeans came next:Spanish SwedesBritish Africans (Slaves)Dutch FrenchGerman

America became a nation of promise…people wanted to break free of their oppressed governments and live free and build a new life.So they came.

East Coast – Europeans West Coast – Chinese

At some point the country decided there were too many people coming in to our country and so we had to put quotas, or restrict the numbers of people coming into our country?

1882 – Limit Chinese 1920s – Quota of people per country 1965 – Quota Increased 1990- No more than 675,000

immigrants per year

How can you become a U.S. Citizen? Born in our country Naturalized

Illegal Aliens People who are in this country illegally

Refugees People escaping danger in their home countries

Legal Aliens Permanent residents of US who are still citizens of

another country

“Every person that comes to the United States seeking citizenship should be granted it.”

Responsibilities (Duties)

Pay taxes Attend meetings Vote Be a productive

Member of country

Attend school Obey laws

Qualities

Take duties seriously

Be active and involved

Respect for each other

Respectful and loyal to country

CHAPTER ISECTION 3:

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TODAY

In ancient times the kings and rulers counted their people,

usually they counted the men so they could tax them and get money for the government.

In modern times, governments take a census. A census is an official, periodic counting of a

population.The 2010 Census stated

that we had a population of 308.7 million

What does a Census Do?

A demographic is the study of characteristics of a population.

For example, demographics might be information on people’s ethnic background, number of children in a family, how many pets you own.

Why do we want to know this?

It helps the government , individuals and businesses plan the future. What will the needs be in the future? What do we have to get ready for?

1. Natural Increase – Population increases naturally when the birthrate is greater than the death rate.

Birthrate - (Annual number of births per 1000 people.

Death rate - (Annual number of deaths per 100 people)

2. Adding Territory 3. Immigration

Changing Women’s Roles Changing Older Population Changing in Diversity Changing Household Sizes Changing Migration Patterns

Rural to city/suburbMigration to Sunbelt