This document appears to be notes from a POL 205 political science course. It includes definitions of key citizenship concepts like jus soli and jus sanguinis. It outlines requirements for US citizenship like age, residency, language ability, and knowledge of history and civics. There are also notes on political parties in the US, key ideological differences, and example platform positions from Republicans and Democrats in 2016 relating to social and economic issues.

1. POL 205
Spring 2019

3. When it comes to politics,
are U.S. citizens better described as:
Apolitical, apathetic, self-interested,
uninformed and lazy?
Somewhat politically aware—
knowing enough to get by?
“Ideal citizens,’ extremely knowledgeable about current events
and workings of our political system?

5.  Jus Soli: “The Law of the Soil”
 What counts as being born in the U.S.?
 Jus Sanguinis: “The Law of the Bloodline”
 Being born abroad to American parents

6.  Basic Requirements:
 18 or older
 Be permanent resident of U.S. for five years
 Be of good moral character
 Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
 Basic knowledge of U.S. history and government

7. INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the handout with questions from the
U.S. CitizenshipTest as a group.

8.  Protected under the citizenship clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment (1868)
“All persons born or naturalized in theUnited States,
and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of
the United States and of the State wherein they reside”

9.  If passed, English would become the official
language of the United States.
 “Official English” Movement
 English should be primary language used by those
in United States
 “English Plus” Movement
 Languages other than English are important and
should be respected in United States.

10.  Dual nationality means that a person is a citizen
of two countries at the same time
 The melting pot vs. the salad bowl
 Melting Pot: Assimilation; Salad Bowl: Diversity

13. DEMOCRACY
 “Democracy” is from
Greek “Demokratia”
 “Rule of the People”
 “Demos” = “People”
 “Kratos” = “Rule”
FREEDOM
 Political Freedom
 Economic Freedom
 Legal Freedom
 Social Freedom
 Religious Freedom
 Academic Freedom

16. The Republican Party
(Conservatives)
The Democratic Party
(Liberals)

17. What is the proper role of government?

19.  Free Market Economics
 Laissez-Faire
 Tax cuts for wealthy
Herbert Hoover

20.  Traditional SocialValues
 Support school prayer
 Tighter controls on immigration
 Oppose gun control
 Sanctity of marriage
 Pro-military
 Pro-life

22.  Active government role
based on the following:
 Equality of opportunity
 Redistribution of wealth
 Tax cuts for middle class
 Responsibility for those
less well-off in society

23.  Progressive role for govt.
 Support for gay marriage
 Immigration
 Pro-choice
 Support gun control

25. REPUBLICANS, 2016
 “Defending Marriage Against an
Activist Judiciary”
 “The Second Amendment: Our
Right to Keep and Bear Arms”
 “Restoring Patient Control and
Preserving Quality in
Healthcare”
 “Supporting OurTroops,
Standing By Our Heroes”
DEMOCRATS, 2016
 “Making the Wealthy Pay
Their Fair Share inTaxes”
 “Securing Universal Health
Care”
 “Securing Reproductive
Health, Rights, and Justice”