Civics Vocabulary and Naturalization Quiz

Civics Vocabulary

• Civics: Study of citizen rights and responsibilities.
• Citizen: Community member loyal to the government, entitled to protection.
• Popular Sovereignty: Government power derived from the people.
• Government: Ruling authority of a community.
• Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
• Citizenship: Rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Naturalization: Legal process for acquiring citizenship.
• Alien: Foreign-born resident who hasn't become a citizen.
• Refugee: Person leaving home due to war, famine, or disaster.

Naturalization Requirements

• Must be 18 years old.
• Must be a lawful permanent resident for five years.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must demonstrate understanding of U.S. civics.

Legal Aliens

• Resident Alien: Legal immigrant living permanently in the U.S.
• Non-Resident Alien: Legal immigrant staying in the U.S. temporarily.
• Legal aliens have job, tax, legal protection, property, school, and service rights.

Refugees

• Political Refugee: Person whose government promises protection due to danger in their home country.

Illegal Aliens

• Government limits immigration to approximately 1 million annually.
• U.S. citizens' relatives and those benefiting U.S. employers are prioritized.

Duties of Citizens

• Obey the law.
• Pay taxes.
• Defend the nation.
• Serve in court.
• Attend school.

Responsibilities of Citizens

• Be informed and vote.
• Participate in community and government.
• Respect others' rights and property.
• Respect diverse opinions and lifestyles.

Function of Government

• Maintain order.
• Create and enforce laws.
• Establish courts.
• Provide security.
• Provide services.
• Guide the community.
• The U.S. is a democratic republic and representative democracy.

Influences on American Colonial Government

Influence of the Enlightenment

• Conflict between monarch and Parliament sparked new government ideas.
• Scientific discoveries led to the belief in an orderly universe governed by laws.
• Human reason could discover these laws, leading to the Enlightenment.
• European Enlightenment ideas influenced American independence and freedom.

Enlightenment Thinkers

• John Locke: Believed people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, which the government should protect.
• Baron de Montesquieu: Advocated separation of government powers to prevent tyranny.

Jamestown

• First permanent English settlement in North America.
• Located in present-day Virginia.
• Ruled by a council and governor.

The Declaration of Independence

• Thomas Jefferson: Main author, inspired by Locke.
• Signed on July 4, 1776.

The Constitutional Convention

• Leaders felt the Articles of Confederation needed strengthening, leading to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
• All states except Rhode Island participated.
• Shay's Rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger government.

The 3/5 Compromise

• For every five enslaved people, three were counted for population purposes in the House of Representatives. This favored Southern states.

The Great Compromise

• Established a bicameral Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).
• Each state has two senators.
• House representation varies based on state population.

The Parts of the Constitution

• Preamble: Introduction to the Constitution.
• Articles: Seven sections outlining the government structure.
• Amendments: 27 additions and changes to the Constitution.

Major Principles of the Government

• Popular Sovereignty: Government's power comes from the people.
• Limited Government and the Rule of Law: Government powers are restricted by laws.
• Separation of Powers: Dividing government powers among different branches.
• Checks and Balances: Each branch limits the power of the other branches.
• Federalism: Sharing power between national and state governments.

Articles of the Constitution

• Article 1: Legislative Branch (Congress): Representation, impeachment procedures
• Article 2: Executive Branch (President): Powers and duties, election procedures
• Article 3: Judicial Branch (Supreme Court): Federal court structure
• Article 4: State relations.
• Article 5: Amendment process.
• Article 6: Supremacy Clause (Constitution is the supreme law).
• Article 7: Ratification of the Constitution.

The Bill of Rights

• Amendments 1-10: Fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches, etc.

The Legislative Branch (Chapter 5)

Structure of Congress

• Composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Enumerated powers (expressed powers) are those specifically listed in the Constitution.
• Implied powers arise from the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause).

Legislative Powers

• Congress (House & Senate) is responsible for making laws.
• Representatives serve constituents and work together to write laws.
• Oversight of government agencies and passing bills is also a primary function.
• House (435 members) initiates spending bills and impeachment procedures, led by the Speaker of the House.
• Senate (100 members; 2 per state), led by the Vice President (votes in ties).
• Taxing, coining money, declaring war, regulating interstate commerce are powers of both houses.
• 98% of US families have lineage from another country.

Additional Notes

• The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) allows Congress to use implied powers for new needs.
• The non-legislative branch includes powers like proposing constitutional amendments, approving presidential appointments, and impeaching officials.

Test your knowledge of key civics vocabulary and naturalization requirements. This quiz covers important concepts related to citizenship, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Perfect for anyone looking to better understand civics in a democratic society.