How does an individual become a citizen?

 •    Birth

 •    Naturalization - A process that allows immigrants to become U.S. citizens. 

The 14th Amendment defines citizenship as “all persons born or naturalized in the United States...."

In order for an immigrant to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, he/she must:
  •    learn to speak and write in English and

 •     must learn about American history and American principles.  (These are not the only requirements for citizenship, but they are the ones you need to know for the SOL test)

Immigration and naturalization in the 20th century (the 1900s) have led to the increasingly diverse society of today. 

What fundamental rights and liberties are guaranteed in the
1st and 14th Amendments?

1st Amendment Freedoms:
•    Religion—Government may not establish an official religion, nor endorse or interfere with the practice of any religion
•    Speech—Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs.
•    Press—The press has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government.
•    Assembly—Individuals may peacefully gather.
•    Petition—Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials.

Few rights, if any, are considered absolute. Some forms of expression are not protected, like libel and slander (printing or saying false and malicious information about someone), or certain publications of obscene or pornographic materials.

14th Amendment Protections:
• The 14th Amendment extends due process protections to actions of the states - This means that state governments must follow the same rules as the federal government. The states must protect individuals against the unfair use of police power.  The 5th amendment says that the "federal government may not deprive citizens of life, liberty, or property without the due process of law". The 14th amendment says the states have to follow the same "due process" .