This document provides an overview of key concepts related to United States citizenship and government. It defines jus soli and jus sanguinis as the main principles of citizenship acquisition. It outlines the basic requirements for citizenship, including age, residency, good moral character, and basic knowledge of history and government. It also discusses key aspects of democracy and freedom in the US, the two main political parties, and some of their core ideological differences regarding the role of government and key issues.

1. POL 205
Spring 2018

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?

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

6.  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

7.  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

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”