Chapter 1 Civics Flashcards
Define illegal alien.
stays longer than legally allowed
Name the five duties of American citizens
obey laws
pay taxes
defend the nation
serve in court
attend school
Define resident alien.
legal immigrant permanently lives in the U.S.
Describe the U.S. immigration policy today
highest priority to relatives of U.S. citizens
Why do we call the United States a nation of immigrants?
98% percent of people who live in the U.S. have ancestors from another country
What are the responsibilities of state governments?
marriage laws
make rules for school
hold elections
manage public health and safety
build roads and bridges
set up local governments
Explain how the American population changed in the mid-1800s.
people moved from farms to cities
Name and describe two types of representative democracy.
republic-president
constitutional monarchy-constitution and a monarch
Explain why being an informed and active citizen is an important responsibility.
voting in elections for peaceful transaction and power
What is popular sovereignty?
government gets its power from the people
Give five examples of services provided by governments.
library
hospital
schools
parks
water/sewer systems
Which level of U.S. government holds the highest authority.
national
Define and give two examples of public policy.
decisions to solve public problems
protect consumer rights
national security
Explain the principle of majority rule.
citizens abide by what most people want
What are the responsibilities of local governments?
provide schools
police/fire departments
emergency services
local courts
outdoor lighting
snow removal
Where did democracy begin?
Athens, Greece
List six features of authoritarian governments.
lead by one person or small group
rule by force
police and military keep power
no free and fair elections
no freedom
government controls industries
Explain how our military meets its needs and what the government does if those needs are not met.
volunteers, draft; men ages 18-25 selective service
Define nonresident alien
stays in the U.S. for a short, specific period
In what three ways can a person lose U.S. citizenship?
expatriation
denaturalization
certain crimes (treason)
Name two ways someone can fulfill their duty of serving in court.
serving as witness
serving on jury
Name the four steps in the naturalization process.
application
interview
exam
oath
Name six rights that legal aliens in the U.S. have
hold job
own property
receive government services
public school
pay taxes
protected by law
Name six ways someone can be a natural born citizen.
born in any of the 50 states
born in the district of Columbia
born in American territory like Puerto Rico
born on U.S. military base overseas
born on American soil to non-U.S. citizens
born in another country if one or both parents is a U.S. citizen
