To the foreign-born citizen this means: (1) Learning and using the American language. (2) Obeying the United States laws. (3) Loyally supporting the American government. One of the first things a foreigner should do when he comes to this country to live is to take the first steps toward citizenship. He will feel more at home. He will feel as if he belonged here, and no one can question his right to feel so. He should learn what citizenship is, and should, as soon as the law permits, become a citizen of the country with one allegiance, one flag, and one government. This will mean greater happiness for himself. It will mean the power to secure for his children the greatest possibilities any nation in the world can give. It will bring a great and wonderful joy to be a citizen of the greatest republic in the world. One man showing his final papers to his teacher, and with the light of a great satisfaction shining in his eyes, said, "This is the happiest day of my life." Read in the next lesson what another man wrote on, "Why I came to America," and "Why I wish to become a citizen." This man had been to school in America but two years. His essays are given just as he wrote them. He has since brought his father and mother to America. Questions and Topics for Discussion Who are the citizens of the United States? Explain our two-fold citizenship. Do the native-born and the naturalized citizens of the United States have the same rights and privileges? What is the only privilege a naturalized citizen does not have? What is one of the chief benefits afforded by our government? How has this helped you? Name some of our obligations to our government. What are the most important obligations of a naturalized citizen? Why? What is one of the first things a foreigner who comes to this country to live should do? What effect will this act have upon him and his family? LESSON XXIX ORIGINAL ESSAYS Why I Wish to Become a Citizen Why do I wish to become a citizen? I consider it my duty to be a citizen of a country in which I am making my living. Any foreigner whose intentions are to remain in the United States should be a citizen for his own good and for the good of his family. We all know that the government of the United States is made up "of the people, by the people, and for the people," but if we look at this point rightly we would see that the government of the United States is made up of the citizens by the citizens and for the people. Here is a real point for any foreigner to think about, as he is enjoying many of the privileges which are given to the citizens of the United States by the laws and the Constitution, yet he would not appreciate these privileges until he would be able to help to make these laws which give him the necessary protection and the freedom to earn his honest living. Only citizens can vote, therefore only citizens can make the laws. It is true that no discrimination is made between the citizen and the non-citizen, but I think that besides the dollar which most of us are so anxious to earn in this country, we should also be anxious to become citizens and see to it that the laws under which we are making our living are made and enforced according to the people's wishes and that we can only accomplish by becoming citizens of America. These are the reasons for which I ought to be a citizen too. I ought to be and I shall be. Why I Came to America The principle reason for my coming to America was oppression. I was born in Poland, a country which was taken apart by three unscrupulous monarchs who kept her people in oppression by their tyrannical government. Since the early age of my life I always longed for a day in which I could shake off my shoulders that cruel treatment of our oppressors. Finally that day came on April 17th 1912, when I bid my father and mother goodbye and started for my adopted mother land America. I am thankful for the privilege of coming here and enjoy the liberty and freedom which are offered to all, no matter what they are, or what their nationality, race or color as long as they are willing to obey the laws of this country and live an honest and upright life. But there are other people who came here principally for economical reasons. In Europe we could not make as much money as we can here. Thousands of European people were almost without any means to live. After they came here they made money, bought property and started a better life. Without any question America has treated me right and I appreciate the fact. I think I can pay America back by obeying her laws and living a good honest life. Questions and Topics for Discussion Write an original story on "Why I Came to America," and "Why I Wish to Become a Citizen." LESSON XXX HOW THE PEOPLE RULE REVIEW National Government In the national government the people elect: 1. The President. 2. The Vice President. The President appoints : (a) The members of his cabinet. (b) The members of the Supreme Court. (c) The judges of the Federal Courts, and certain other important officers. 3. Congress. Senate. House of Representatives. Most of the other positions in the National Government are filled with the approval of the Civil Service Commission. Usually examinations are held and appointment is made by merit. State Government In the state government the people elect: 1. The Governor. 2. The Lieutenant-Governor. 3. The State Legislature.1 House of Representatives. 4. The Secretary of State. 6. The Comptroller or Auditor. 7. The Attorney General. 8. The Commissioner of Education.2 City Government In the city government the people elect: 1. The Mayor. 2. The City Council.3 1 Called various names in different states. What is it called in your state? 2 Appointed by the governor in a few states. 3 In various states certain other city officers are voted for directly by the people. Find out who these officers are in your city. |