Government Unit 6 Citizenship

Questions and Answers

How was Citizenship defined in the United States before and after the Fourteenth Amendment?

Before the 14th Amendment, each state determined citizenship. Afterward, the 14th Amendment provided a broad definition that made all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. citizens.

Explain how jus soli, jus sanguines, and residency differ as principles for defining citizenship.

Jus Soli is the right of the soil, Jus Sanguines is the right of blood, and residency is living indefinitely in a country without citizenship.

How does the Constitution define national and state citizenship?

The Constitution defines citizenship in the 14th Amendment as all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction.

How is citizenship through naturalization different from citizenship by birth?

Citizenship by naturalization involves a process, while citizenship by birth is automatic for those born in the country. Signup and view all the answers

Should all Americans be required to demonstrate their knowledge of American government and history as naturalized citizens must do? Explain.

Permanent residents generally do not have the right to vote or be elected in federal and state elections. Signup and view all the answers

Describe opportunities for participation in civic life afforded by voluntary associations, nongovernmental organizations, service and business organizations, and voting.

Voluntary associations are groups that work together for a purpose. Nongovernmental organizations operate independently from the government. Service and business organizations provide goods and services. Voting is a formal choice in elections. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between self-interest, enlightened self-interest, and the common good. Provide examples of each related to civil engagement.

Self-interest benefits individuals personally, enlightened self-interest helps others while serving one's own interests, and the common good benefits the community as a whole. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between de jure and de facto segregation?

De jure segregation is enforced by law, whereas de facto segregation arises from the actions of individuals and groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why has the Civil Rights Act of 1964 been called the most far-reaching civil rights legislation in American history?

It outlawed both de jure and de facto segregation and many forms of discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

How is civil disobedience different from merely breaking the law?

Civil disobedience seeks to justify its actions by reference to higher moral laws. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it necessary to extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in 2006?

To prevent problems from occurring again. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspects of American constitutional democracy have been particularly influential in other countries? Which have not? Why?

Influential aspects include self-government, presidential systems, federalism, and human rights; others may not be as influential due to differing cultural contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What are some important differences between the Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Bill of Rights includes the first ten amendments that guarantee freedoms and rights, while the Universal Declaration is meant for the dignity of every person and includes rights like life and equality. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think federalism, an American invention, has proved especially popular in other countries?

Federalism works effectively, offering better governance ideas that other countries appreciate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Citizenship Definitions

Before the 14th Amendment, states could define citizenship, leading to inconsistencies.
The 14th Amendment established a broad definition of citizenship and overturned Dred Scott v. Sandford, confirming that blacks could be U.S. citizens.

Principles of Citizenship

Jus Soli: Citizenship based on birthplace ("right of the soil").
Jus Sanguines: Citizenship based on parental lineage ("right of blood").
Residency: Long-term residence in a country without formal citizenship.

Constitutional Citizenship

The 14th Amendment states: All persons born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens of the U.S. and the state they reside in.

Citizenship by Birth vs. Naturalization

Naturalization: A formal process involving requirements to achieve citizenship.
Birth: Automatic citizenship granted to individuals born in a country.

Knowledge Requirement for Citizens

Permanent residents cannot vote or hold federal or state office, differentiating them from naturalized citizens who must demonstrate knowledge of government and history.

Civic Participation Opportunities

Voluntary Associations: Groups formed by individuals volunteering towards a common goal.
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs): Independent entities created to address social issues, not controlled by government.
Service and Business Organizations: Recognized groups providing goods or services for profit.
Voting: A formal process to indicate choices among candidates or issues.

Self-Interest Concepts

Self-Interest: Actions taken for personal gain.
Enlightened Self-Interest: Recognizing that aiding others can also benefit oneself.
Common Good: Actions that benefit the community as a whole.

Segregation Types

De Jure Segregation: Segregation enforced by law.
De Facto Segregation: Separated communities resulting from personal choices or actions, not legal requirements.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Considered the most extensive civil rights legislation, prohibiting both legal and private segregation and discrimination.

Civil Disobedience

Represents a form of protest that argues against laws on moral grounds, differentiating it from simple lawbreaking.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Extensions

Extended in 2006 to address ongoing issues and ensure voting rights protections.

American Constitutional Democracy Influence

Influenced systems include self-governance, presidential systems, federalism, and human rights, though some aspects have not been globally adopted due to cultural differences.

Bill of Rights vs. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments guaranteeing personal freedoms and privacy.
Universal Declaration: A document asserting the inherent dignity and equality of every individual and fundamental human rights.

Popularity of Federalism

Federalism's appeal stems from its perceived effectiveness and the innovative ideas it introduces, attracting interest from other nations.

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Description

Explore the changes in the definition of citizenship in the United States before and after the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment. This quiz examines key concepts and court cases that shaped citizenship rights, including the impact of the Dred Scott decision.