CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD

The United Nations
Merit Badge


[ Return to Scouting w/ Mr. R. ]
 

Mr. R.
“Like the body that is made up of different limbs and organs,
all moral creatures must depend on each other to exist.”
— Hindu proverb      .


Eagle Required
Mr. R's Citizenship in the World 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:  Answer the following:
a) What is citizenship? 
 How does one become a citizen in the United States? 
 How does one become a citizen in other countries? 
b) What rights, duties, and obligations does American citizenship entail? How are these similar to or different from the way citizenship is experienced in two other countries?
Dictionary
Definition
 Citizenship \Cit"i*zen*ship\, noun
1: the status of a citizen with rights and duties distinct from that of a foreigner 
2: conduct as a citizen; "award for good citizenship"

 
  Requirement #2:  Do the following:
a) Discuss the concept of national interest. 
b) Explain how a country's security, economy, and values relate to its national interest. 

 
  Requirement #3:  Explain ONE of the following to your counselor:
a) How communications and transportation have changed relationships between countries
b) How changing national interests, democratic values, and global economic partnerships are affecting the relationships between countries

 
  Requirement #4:  Do the following:
a) Tell how the geography, natural resources, and climate of a country affect its economy. 
b) Using a map of the world, select two countries. Describe how geography, natural resources, and climate are important in defining each country's national interest. Explain how these interests affect relations with at least two other countries. 
  • Map.com  Both political and physical world maps are provided.  Simple click on one or the other, click on the desired area of the world and explore!
  • Atlapedia.comBoth political and physical world maps are provided and you can jump back an forth between them.  Choose which country you wish, and you'll be learning in a flash!

 
  Requirement #5:  Do the following:
a) Explain international law and how it differs from national law. What role does international law perform in the international system? Describe how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution. 
b) Select TWO of the following global issues and explain how they have been affected by international agreements and treaties:
  • Terrorism 
  • Transportation
  • International sports
c) Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the international system:

 
  Requirement #6:  Do the following:
a) Explain to your counselor what is meant by
b) Explain how world trade and global competition affect the economy of your state and your community. 
c) 
1. Locate the listing of foreign currency exchange rates in the financial section of the newspaper. Select three major foreign currencies and explain the rates of exchange between these currencies and the American dollar. 
2. Select a foreign currency and price a product in that currency. Explain how fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the price of that product if you are exporting it from the United States. Explain how fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the price of that product if you are importing it into the United States. 
 

 
  Requirement #7:  Do the following:
a) Discuss the differences between constitutional and non-constitutional governments. 
b) Name at least five different types of government currently in power in the world. 
  • Types of Governments  Definitions of Types of World Governments (graph)
  • CountryReports.org  Select desired country
  • CIA  World Fact Book 
  • IMAO  With All the Different Types of Governments to Choose From, How Can You Go Wrong? (Satire!)
c) Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government.

 
  Requirement #8:  Do the following:
Explain how a government is represented abroad. How is the United States government accredited to international organizations? 
Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations:

Ambassador

Consul United States Information Agency Agency for International Development Foreign Commercial Service  Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel. 

 
  Requirement #9:  Do ONE of the following:
a) Attend a world jamboree. b) Take part in an international event in your area. 
c) Visit with a foreign exchange student and discuss his or her country and customs. 
d) Study a foreign language for a year. 
e) Write an embassy or consulate for material about its country and discuss the material with your counselor.  f) Examine a particular international issue and give a brief oral presentation and a written report to your counselor. 

BSA Advancement ID#: 4
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1995
Requirements last updated in 1993
 

Return to [ Scouting with Mr. R. ]

Merit Badges: [ Astronomy ][ Atomic Energy ][ Basketry ]
[ Citizenship in the Community ][ Citizenship in the Nation ]
[ Citizenship in the World ][ Coin Collecting ][ Communications ][ Family Life ]
[ Environmental Science ][ Fish & Wildlife Management ][ Fishing ]
[ Fly Fishing ][ Forestry ][ Geology ][ Mammal Study ][ Nature ]
[ Oceanography ][ Personal Fitness ][ Personal Management ]
[ Pulp & Paper ][ Soil & Water Conservation ][ Textile ][ Weather ]
 

  Animated graphics by Animation Factory

Webpage updated December 2003
Webmaster, Mr. R.