CITIZENSHIP IN THE NATION 

The
United States of
America
Merit Badge


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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 may obtain permission from Mr. R. about creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc.

 

  Requirement #1:
Explain what citizenship in the nation means and what it takes to be a good citizen of this country. Discuss the rights, duties, and obligations of a responsible and active American citizen.

 
  Requirement #2:
Do TWO of the following:
  1. Visit a place that is listed as a National Historic Landmark or that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tell your counselor what you learned about the landmark or site and what you found interesting about it.
  2. Tour your state capitol building or the U.S. Capitol. Tell your counselor what you learned about the capitol, its function, and the history.
  3. Tour a federal facility. Explain to your counselor what you saw there and what you learned about its function in the local community and how it serves this nation.
  4. Choose a national monument that interests you. Using books, brochures, the Internet (with your parent's permission), and other resources, find out more about the monument. Tell your counselor what you learned, and explain why the monument is important to this country's citizens.
 

To find the location of your State Capitol Building, type in "your state name" and "capitol building" in an Internet search engine like Yahoo, Alta Vista, MSN, etc.

A Federal Facility is any institution owned and ran by the federal government. Examples could be military, prisons, air ports, law enforcement agencies, post office, museums, etc.


 
 
  Requirement #3:
Watch the national evening news five days in a row OR read the front page of a major daily newspaper five days in a row. Discuss the national issues you learned about with your counselor. Choose one of the issues and explain how it affects you and your family.
  • Keep notes on a notepad as you watch the news or read the newspaper.
  • Most TV stations air the National News before the Local News.
  • Newspapers are usually divided into National, State, and Local News.
  • Newspapers.com Find your local newspaper on the Internet here by clicking on your state. Choose your newspaper from the given list. Many newspapers have an online version available.

 
  Requirement #4:
Discuss each of the following documents with your counselor. Tell your counselor how you feel life in the United States might be different without each one.
  1. Declaration of Independence
  2. Preamble to the Constitution
  3. The Constitution
  4. Bill of Rights
  5. Amendments to the Constitution

 

  Requirement #5:
List the six functions of government as noted in the preamble to the Constitution. Discuss with your counselor how these functions affect your family and local community. 

 
  Requirement #6:
With your counselor's approval, choose a speech of national historical importance. Find out about the author, and tell your counselor about the person who gave the speech. Explain the importance of the speech at the time it was given, and tell how it applies to American citizens today. Choose a sentence or two from the speech that has significant meaning to you, and tell your counselor why.

 

  Requirement #7:
Name the three branches of our federal government and explain to your counselor their functions. Explain how citizens are involved in each branch. For each branch of government, explain the importance of the system of checks and balances.
  • 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 #8:
Name your two senators and the member of Congress from your congressional district. Write a letter about a national issue and send it to one of these elected officials, sharing your view with him or her. Show your letter and any response you receive to your counselor.
  • Contacting the Congress  Simply click the map of any state you wish. Information on how to contact the Senators and the members of Congress from that state will be listed.
  • 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.

 

BSA Advancement ID#: 3
Requirements last updated in 2005

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Merit Badges: [ Astronomy ][ Atomic Energy ][ Basketry ][ Backpacking ]
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  Animated graphics by Animation Factory

Webpage updated March 2005
Link-checked March 2005
Webmaster, Mr. R.

(I'd love to hear your comments or suggestions!)



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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