How People Become Citizens
Every nation has its own rules on who can become a citizen
In America, there are two ways to become a citizen.
1. Citizen by Birth
Jus Soli (the law of the soil) People who are born on American soil
Jus Sanguinis (the law of the blood) People who are born outside the US to parents
(one or both) are American citizens
2. Citizen by Naturalization
(97% Success)
What are the Qualifications?
At least 18 years old
Legal Immigrant
Live in US at least 5 years
Live in their state at least 6 months
Read, write, and speak English
Understand American Government
Three Ways to Lose Citizenship
1. Expatriation (Give up Citizenship)
2. Crime (Treason)
3. Fraud during the Naturalization Process
Responsibilities of Citizens
Two Kinds of Responsibilities
1. Duties under the Law
Attend school (16)
Know and Obey Laws
Pay Sales and Income Tax
Register for the Draft
Serve Jury Duty
2. Voluntary Duties
Know your Rights
Respect others' Rights
Tolerate others' Views
Vote
Be Informed
Inform Others
Trends in Immigration
Country of Birth % of Immigrants
1. Mexico 12.5
2. Philippines 7.1
3. Vietnam 5.8
4. Dominican Republic 5.3
5. China 4.9
6. India 4.8
7. Cuba 2.5
8. Ukraine 2.4
9. Jamaica 2.3
10. Korea 2.2
Political Parties
Political Party -- a group of people organized to influence government through winning elections and setting Public Policy
Functions of the Parties
1. Nomination Candidates
2. Campaigning
3. Organizing Government
4. Watchdog (monitor the other party)
Types of Party Systems
1. One Party System
2. Two Party System
3. Multi-Party System
History of Political Parties in the US
1. Founding Fathers Opposed to Parties
2. Why and How did Political Parties Develop
3. Grass Roots Support--Andrew Jackson (1820s - 1830s)
4. Full Two-Party System by 1836
5. Adjustment in the Two Party System in the 1860 Election
Election of 1860
Lincoln (R) 180 1,865,593
Douglas (N. Dem) 12 1,382,713
Breckinridge (S. Dem) 72 848,356
Bell (Const. Unionist) 39 592,906
Normal Two Party Schematic
Because the Majority of the People are Moderate,
a two party systems forces the Parties toward the middle
in order to with the election
But: What happened in the 1860 Election?
Instead of being forced to the middle, the candidates with the most extreme views won the majority of the popular and electoral votes from their area of the country.
6. 1860 to 1930 -- Republican Rule
7. Depression Changed the Coalition
8. Present Coalition -- Where are we headed?
Two Party System
Reasons for a Two Party System
1. Historical -- Two Factions developed over the adoption of the Constitution.
2. Tradition -- American Accepted the idea of a two Party System. Plus, We have always had a
Two Party System
3. Electoral System --
A. Winner Take All
B. Single - Member District (An electoral district in which only the
one candidate with the most votes is elected to office)
C. Plurality (The candidate with the most votes wins...not majority)
D. Third Party "Wasted Vote"
4. Americans are "Ideologically Homogeneous"
Would a Multi-Party System give Voters a Better Choice?
Is One Party -- No Party?
Nature of the Party
Definition: Voluntary Association of Persons who seek to Control the Government by Winning Elections and Holding Public Office
As A Rule: Both Parties are Moderate in their Policies and Leadership.
Both Parties Agree:
1. Popular Sovereignty
(Rights of the People to Choose)
2. Limited Government
3. Federalism
Factions Exist in some Party Policies
1. Foreign Policy
2. National Defense
3. Civil Rights
4. Social Welfare
5. Abortion
There would be No Need for Parties if Everyone Agreed
History of the Two Party System
Major Third Parties
1856 Know Nothing Party Millard Filmore 21.5 %
1860 Southern Democrats JC Breckingridge 18.1%
1912 Bull Moose Party T. Roosevelt 27.4
1968 American Ind. G. Wallace 13.5%
1992 Independent Party Ross Perot 19.0%
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