LKMS
Cornell Notes
Learning Target:
Learn the steps in becoming a United
States citizen.
Name: Date:
Objective:
8.1.5 Describe the sources of citizenship.
8.1.6 Describe the naturalization process.
Essential Question:
How is citizenship required?
Questions/Processing
Strategies:
Civics is the study of what is means to be a U.S. citizen.
Living in the United States doesn't automatically make one an American citizen
Residents of the United States can be aliens, or citizens.
Alien: People who have left (emigrated) a foreign country and come to the
United States legally. Have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens,
but they cannot vote in elections.
Citizen: Legally recognized member of a country. Has certain rights and duties under a government. Citizens of the U.S. enjoy all of the freedoms, protections, and legal rights which the Constitution promises.
Sources of Citizenship:
Birth: Born in any state OR Born outside the U.S. but at least one parent is an American citizen.
Naturalization: The process by which people from foreign countries become U.S. citizens
The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America defines
citizenship: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.”

Summary:
Becoming a U.S. Citizen: Naturalization
1 st File an application
The application asks for biographical information about the person. The person has his or her fingerprints taken, and provides photographs and legal documents
2 nd Take a naturalization examination
The examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. government and history. The applicant must also pass an English test.
3 rd Appear for a court hearing
The applicant appears before a judge and asks to become a U.S. citizen. The judge will listen to the applicant’s reasons and will decide on naturalization.
To become a citizen, or to be naturalized, a person must meet certain requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years
Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S.
Be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English
Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history, government structure and the
Constitution of the U.S. Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.