This Who is A Citizen? Civics & U.S. Citizenship Article & Review for Civics & American Government introduces middle school Civics, American History, or American Government students to the key concepts of United States citizenship, including natural-born and naturalized citizens, the 14th Amendment, the naturalization process, refugees, and legal and illegal aliens. The three-page reading passage includes comprehension questions throughout, and is paired with a one-page review. Digital versions are also available through TPT Easel and Google Slides!
Compatible with the Florida State Standard for Middle School Civics (and applicable to other states as well!):
- Standard 2 SS.7.CG.2: Evaluate the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens, and determine methods of active participation in society, government and the political system.
- SS.7.CG.2.1: Define the term “citizen,” and identify the constitutional means of becoming a United States citizen.
This Who is A Citizen? Civics & U.S. Citizenship Article & Review for Civics & American Government resource include:
✯ The 3-Page Who Is A Citizen? Article. This engaging, easy-to-read article breaks down vocabulary and key concepts related to citizenship for students.
Topics included in the article:
- Civics
- Citizenship
- Natural-Born Citizenship
- Law of Blood
- Law of Soil
- The Naturalization Process
- Refugees
- Legal and Illegal Aliens
Questions throughout the article gauge student comprehension as they read. Sample questions include:
- David’s father is from France, and his mother is from Puerto Rico. David was born in Paris. Is David an American citizen? Why or why not? (Yes, David is a natural-born citizen through Law of Blood.)
✯ The One-Page Who is a Citizen? Comprehension Review includes both vocabulary definitions and multiple choice questions, as well as a graphic organizer for Law of Blood, Law of Soil, and the naturalization process.
Vocabulary from the review includes: Law of Blood, Law of Soil, civics, citizenship, refugees, immigrant, naturalization, legal and illegal aliens.
All in all, this is a great, no-prep, print-and-go lesson to introduce your United States Citizenship unit!
This resource comes as a non-editable, printable PDF. Digital versions are available through TPT Easel and Google Slides. (There is a link to the Google Slides version in your PDF.) Either digital version can be shared with students directly through your Google Classroom! Answer Keys are included.
What teachers are saying about this resource:
“Created a great conversation”
The simplification and organization of the information regarding citizenship was perfect for a 7th grade class. The assignment uses legal terms that are often misinterpreted. This created a great conversation for my students who have a hard time processing what they hear in the news.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Allison T.
“Students were very engaged”
My students were very engaged with this citizenship activity. I really liked that the readings are short and at a level that students can understand. This fit very nicely at the beginning of my Constitution unit.
★ ★ ★ ★
— Rosa N.
“Really helped”
Really helped students understand the requirements of being a citizen.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Social Studies in Middle School
Other Happy Teacher Resources You Might Enjoy:
✩ Standards-Based Bell Ringers for Civics & American Government | Quarter One
✩ Becoming A United States Citizen Blog & Video Response | Civics & Citizenship
✩ Who is a Citizen? Civics & Citizenship Matching Activity for American Government
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