Discussion board (Government 2305)

Discussion 1: What is a citizen?

Program-Level Objectives met with this assignment:

• Communication 
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Personal Responsibility 
• Social Responsibility 

Course-Level Objectives met with this assignment:

• Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
• Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government.
• Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
• Analyze the election process.
• Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
• Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics

Activity for Assessment:

For this discussion, we are looking at the very controversial and current topic of citizenship.  Specifically, what makes one a citizen and how that impacts politics and participation.  Read the following articles and then answer the questions below.  Make sure you are responding based on the required source content and not on your feelings about this topic.  You may certainly include your thoughts in your response, but it must come after you have explained the research.  

https://www.heritage.org/the-constitution/commentary/does-the-constitution-mandate-universal-birthright-citizenship-heres 

https://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=002142

https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/breaking-down-the-birthright-citizenship-debate

Questions: 

• What does the Constitution say about citizenship?
• Historically, how has citizenship been handled?  (post-Civil War, Native Americans, etc.)
• What are the arguments for and against birthright citizenship? Why is this such a controversial topic?
• In your opinion, should the citizenship clause be amended? Why or why not?

Please be sure to meet the requirements for posting in the discussion board.  For more specifics, please refer to to the directions provided in the Start Here tab in eCampus. Do not forget your works cited.  Any required sources give in the discussion prompt is required to be included in your works cited.  Any additional research must be included in your sources as well.