This document discusses concepts related to citizenship, immigration, and political participation in the United States. It addresses different views of citizenship, such as birthright citizenship and naturalization, as well as requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization including English language ability and knowledge of U.S. history and civics. The document also explores ideas around what it means to be a politically engaged citizen and different characterizations of the levels of political knowledge and participation among the U.S. public.

1. POL 140-03
Spring 2016

5. 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?

8. INSTRUCTIONS
Write down as many ideas, concepts, etc.
that come to mind when you think of this term:
CITIZENSHIP
We will discuss your thoughts as a class.

9.  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

10. INSTRUCTIONS
Write down as many ideas, concepts, etc.
that come to mind when you think of this term:
IMMIGRATION
We will discuss your thoughts as a class.

11.  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
 Governed by the USCIS (formerly INS)

12.  In the United States, both categories are
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”

13.  Critiques English and
civics knowledge
requirements for
citizenship
 English test is
rudimentary
 Civics test only requires
memorization

14.  If passed, English would become the official
language of the United States
 “Official English” Movement
 “English Plus” Movement

15.  Dual nationality means that a person is a
citizen of two countries at the same time
 “The hyphen is being replaced by the
ampersand”
 The melting pot vs. the salad bowl

17.  Democracy
 Freedom
 Equality

19.  “Democracy” is from Greek “Demokratia”
 “Rule of the People”
 “Demos” = “People”
 “Kratos” = “Rule”

20. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas
(D-IL)
1854 Political Map

21. William Marcy “Boss”Tweed

23.  Political Freedom
 Economic Freedom
 Legal Freedom
 Social Freedom
 Religious Freedom
 Academic Freedom

25.  Disputes focus on material goods
(e.g. education, health care)
 Two Associated Ideas:
 Equal Access
 Equality of Opportunity

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

28. What is the proper role of government?

31.  Economic Liberty
 Free Market
 Laissez-Faire
Herbert Hoover

32.  Traditional Social and
PoliticalValues
 Support school prayer
 Tighter controls on
immigration
 Oppose gun control
 Sanctity of marriage
 Pro-military
 Pro-life

34.  Active government role
based on the following:
 Equality of opportunity
 Redistribution of
wealth
 Public responsibility for
those less well-off in
society

35.  “New Deal” Program
 Government action to
improve economic
conditions during Great
Depression
Franklin D. Roosevelt

36.  Extended FDR’s New
Deal into 1960s with
“Great Society”
program
 “War on Poverty”
Lyndon B. Johnson

37.  Support for gay
marriage
 Pro-choice
 Support gun control

39. REPUBLICANS, 2012
 “A Sacred Contract: Defense
of Marriage”
 “The Second Amendment:
Our Right to Keep and Bear
Arms”
 “Making the Internet Family-
Friendly”
 “Supporting OurTroops,
Standing By Our Heroes”
DEMOCRATS, 2012
 “Rebuilding Middle Class
Security”
 “Protecting aWoman’s
Right to Choose”
 “Responsibly Ending the
War in Iraq.”