CITIZENSHIP IN THE NATION 

The
United States of
America
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Mr. R.
"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil
and steady dedication of a lifetime."  (Adlai Stevenson)

 
Eagle Required
Mr. R's Citizenship in the Nation Passport© (a 4"x5" pocket guide) is available in PDF format to print out for non-profit use (requires free Adobe Acrobat© Reader).  Passports are copyrighted, but scouts and troops may use them free of charge if they create only one per scout.  BSA councils must first contact Mr. R. before creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc. (a small nominal fee will be charged).

 
  Requirement #1:
After reading, discuss with your counselor the following documents:
  • Declaration of Independence
  • Constitution
  • Amendments to the Constitution
  • Preamble to the Constitution
  • Bill of Rights 

 
  Requirement #2:
Name the three branches of government and explain their functions. Explain the checks and balances on each branch of government.
  • Ben's Guide to the US Government explains the functions of the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Executive Branch of the government.  Written on various educational levels (6th-7th Grade), (9th-12th Grade), etc.
  • Congress for Kids This site explains the various parts of the government in easy to understand terms.  When you get there, remember to also click on Tour of Federal Government and you have a list of many interesting topics.  Be sure to check out the Checks & Balances area.
  • Fact Monster Let the fact monster teach you about the three branches of the government, then go on to learn about the checks and balances.
Though in this system of a separation of powers each branch operates independently of the others. However, there are built in checks and balances to prevent tyrannous concentration of power in any one branch and to protect the rights and liberties of citizens. For example, the President can veto bills approved by Congress and the President nominates individuals to serve in the Federal judiciary; the Supreme Court can declare a law enacted by Congress or an action by the President unconstitutional; and Congress can impeach the President and Federal court justices and judges.
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/government/branches.html

 
  Requirement #3:
Outline the relationships between state and federal governments. 
  • Ben's Guide to the US Government has a good page explaining "National vs. State Governments."  The bottom of the page explains which powers are specifically given to each and which powers are forbidden for each.  It also explains the term Federalism, the idea of sharing power together.

 
  Requirement #4:
Do ONE of the following:
  • Visit the national Capitol
  • Visit your state capitol
  • Tour a federal installation
Explain your experiences to your counselor.
 

 
  Requirement #5:
Name your two senators and the member of Congress from your congressional district. Write a letter to one of these elected officials on a national issue, sharing your view with him or her. Show your letter and any response to your counselor.
  • Contacting the Congress  Simply click the map for any state you wish and you then will be shown how to contact the Senators and the members of Congress from that state.
  • US House of Representatives  Official search page to find official address of the members of Congress.
  • US Senate  Official search page to find official address of the US Senators.

 
  Requirement #6:
What are five important functions of your national government? Explain how these functions affect your family and local community. 

 
  Requirement #7:
Discuss the main ways by which the federal government is financed. 

BSA Advancement ID#: 3
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1993
Requirements last updated in 1984
 

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Webpage updated December 2003
Webmaster, Mr. R.