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American Citizenship

Social Studies, Grade 3

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Study Guide American Citizenship Social Studies, Grade 3

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PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP What is Citizenship? A citizen is a person who lives in a community. Citizenship refers to the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of any community. What are the principles of citizenship? Our principles are the rules set down in the Constitution of the United States. United States Constitution - In 1787, representatives of each state met in Philadelphia to write a new plan of government. • Preamble - begins “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, ….do ordain and establish this Constitution.” • Articles - set out the plan of government with division of powers between three branches, executive, legislative, judicial. The division of power keeps the government in balance. The legislative branch has two houses. The House of Representatives is based on population. The Senate has two senators from each state. • Bill of Rights - the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution added in 1789. It lists the freedoms of all citizens. It gives the states powers that the federal government allows. • Amendments - more changes that have been added to the Constitution. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
What are the principles of government? The first three words, “We the People” are the most important because they clearly show that the people are the true rulers in American government. Separation of Powers and a system of checks and balances The president may veto a law passed by Congress but Congress may override the veto. The Supreme Court may declare a law unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is appointed by the president with the approval of Congress. Federalism - sharing of power between the states and the federal government. Individual Rights as stated in the Bill of Rights 1. Freedom of Speech (allows people to speak their mind whenever they want to. But if they tell lies about another person, called libel, the government can stop it), freedom of Religion (allows people to worship anyway they want to), freedom of the Press (allows people to publish their opinions in newspapers or any other written communication) and Assembly (allows people to gather together in a peaceful manner and sign a petition telling the government what they are unhappy about.) 2. Right to bear arms or own guns - people may own legal guns 3. Restricts quartering of soldiers - Before the Revolutionary War, Britain forced people to have British troops live in their homes. 4. Right to be secure in your own home - government officials cannot enter a home and search for something. T hey must have a court order. 5. Due process of law - A person is considered innocent until proven guilty. No one can be tried twice for the same crime. No one must testify against himself. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
6. Trial by jury in criminal cases - Everyone has the right to a speedy and public trial. Everyone has the right to have a lawyer. 7. If someone is sued for more than $20, he or she has the right to a trial by jury. This is a civil suit. 8. No cruel and inhuman punishment, no one has to pay a very large bail to get out of jail while waiting for a trial. 9. Rights not listed in the Constitution are kept by the people 10. Powers not granted to the US government are kept by the states. Many amendments have been added by Congress. Our rights and freedoms are interpreted and enforced by courts and lawmakers. Here are some ways people show good citizenship. 1. Respect - We treat others as we want to be treated. We volunteer which means work without pay to help others. We welcome differences. We respect the rights and property of others. We protect the people and places in our community from harm. We show respect for the American flag. 2. Caring - Think about what someone else needs. Think about how to improve our community. 3. Responsibility - Do what is right. Think before you act. Pay taxes for government services. Vote in elections. To vote wisely, citizens need to be educated about the candidates and what they stand for. Some citizens decide to become candidates for local, state, or national government. 4. Fairness - Take turns, follow rules, listen to others. Obey the laws. 5. Courage - Do what is right even when the task is hard. Be willing to serve jury duty if called. 6. Honesty - Tell the truth. Citizens must be honest about how much money they have when they pay income taxes. Do what you say you will do. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
Citizens of the US have special recognizable symbols to remind us of our country. • The Liberty Bell was rung in Philadelphia to announce the birth of a new country. • The Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key. • Citizens have respect for US Flag (Old Glory) o It has 13 stripes for the 13 colonies. It has 50 stars for the 50 states. o Red stands for valor and courage o White for purity and hope o Blue for justice Try this! Who is your state’s governor? What is your state’s capital city? Who are the Senators and Representatives from your state in the Federal government? © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
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