CITIZENSHIP
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Citizenship refers not just to the legal status of an individual’s relation to the city, state, or country but also to the idea of being a part of something greater than yourself. There are many aspects of citizenship that are often taken for granted. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Citizenship. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Citizen:
A member of a political community. Ways people become U.S. citizens include naturalization, through marriage & the military, derivative citizenship, and being born within the United States and its territories.
Global Citizenship:
The idea that one's identity transcends geography or political borders and that responsibilities or rights are derived from membership in a broader class: "humanity,” Global citizenship nurtures personal respect and respect for others, wherever they live.
Participatory Citizenship:
A citizen that learns how the government works, takes part in community-based initiatives, and is active in addressing important and relevant local, state, or national issues.
Checks & Balances:
Each branch of government (legislative, executive, judicial) provides a check on the other branches so that no single branch has more power.
Suffrage:
Right to vote. 15th Amendment granted suffrage to African American men. 19th Amendment granted suffrage to women. 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
Moments In History
1791 - Ratification of the Bill of Rights or the first ten amendments to the constitution
1965 - Johnson signs the Voting rights act which addressed legal barriers to African Americans voting at the state level
20?? - John R. Lewis Voting Rights Bill, a proposed bill, that would strenthen voter protections from the 60's
1917- Wilson signs Jones-Shaforth act which added Puerto Rico as a territory and Puerto Ricans as Statutory Citizens
2020 - Most recent census
Statistics
423 National Parks are registered by the US National Park Service.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 63 million Americans (25% of the adult population) are volunteers.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 8.6% of Americans are without healthcare.
Voter turnout in the 2020 Presidential Election was over 60% according to USAFacts.org.
Negative Effective Corporate Tax Rate %
-2.2% AIG
-3.1% Dow Inc.
-4.1% AT&T
Source: Based on corporate tax documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission
Notable Names
Madeline Albright
Eleanor Roosevelt
Dred & Harriet Scott
Civil Servants
Komako Kimura
Values
No National Language
Advocacy
Being Law Abiding
Pride In Country
Four C’s: Civic Engagement, Civics, Civil Rights, Civility
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Citizenship Infographic
Share what you have learned about Citizenship. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Celebrate & Create Event Video
Our crafting for kids event was so much fun! You can use your own materials to follow along at home and complete your own project. Watch the video to learn how to make your own ‘mosaic’ foam picture frame! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Citizenship crafting party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Register to vote, become a poll worker, run for office, and definitely vote.
Be a good caretaker of the U.S by volunteering in your community, thanking a civil servant, or enjoying your community with family & friends.
Commit to one citizenship-friendly action each week.
Get informed about your rights as a citizen, local, state, & federal candidates, and U.S. history.
Share our Citizenship Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!