Citizen Commander Slides
Citizen
Commander
Understanding the Constitutional Requirements to become President of the United States.
Warm Up: Where were you born?
Discussion Questions:
- Were you born in this state? A different state? A different country?
- What does it mean to be a "citizen" of a country?
Presidential Requirements
Embedded media
Watch closely for the "Natural Born Citizen" requirement (2:50 - 3:18).
The Citizenship Test
"Natural Born"
You are eligible IF:
- Born on U.S. Soil (U.S. States or territories)
- Born to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen.
"Naturalized"
You are NOT eligible IF:
- Born in another country to non-U.S. parents.
- Achieved citizenship later through the naturalization process.
Constitutional Check
Time to put on your Supreme Court hats! Review the fictional bios on your worksheet.
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
The Big Debate
Should the rules change?
YES: Naturalized citizens should be allowed to run if they have lived here for many years.
NO: The current rule ensures the President has a lifelong tie to the country.
Ready to Vote?
YES
NO
Citizen Commander Teacher Guide
Citizen Commander
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Subject: Civics / Government
Grade Level: 5th–6th
Duration: 40 Minutes
Learning Objectives
- Define the term "Natural Born Citizen" based on Article II of the Constitution.
- Distinguish between natural-born and naturalized citizenship.
- Apply constitutional eligibility rules to evaluate fictional presidential candidates.
- Engage in a respectful debate regarding the fairness of presidential requirements.
Materials Needed
- Citizen Commander Slides
- Constitutional Check Worksheet
- Red/Green Voting Cards
- YouTube: "Executive Branch"
Lesson Pacing
05
Minutes
Warm-Up: Citizen Identity
Open the slides to the Warm Up. Have students turn and talk to a neighbor about their birthplace. Briefly explain that while we are all part of this community, where someone is born has a unique legal status in the U.S. Constitution for one specific job: The President.
Discussion Prompt: "Does where you were born change how much of a citizen you are? Why might the Founders have cared about this for a leader?"
10
Minutes
Video & Definitions
Play the video section from 2:50 to 3:18. This is the critical window defining citizenship.
Key Concept: A person is "Natural Born" if they are born on U.S. soil OR born to a U.S. parent abroad. Anyone else who becomes a citizen later is "Naturalized" and ineligible for the Presidency.
15
Minutes
Activity: Constitutional Check
Distribute the Constitutional Check Worksheet. Students must act as "Constitutional Detectives." They evaluate 6 candidates based on their bios. Encourage them to refer back to the definitions on the board/slides.
10
Minutes
Closing & Debate
Hand out the Red/Green Voting Cards. Pose the question: "Should a naturalized citizen who has lived in the U.S. for most of their life be allowed to run for President?"
- Green Card: Yes, it's about loyalty and service, not birth location.
- Red Card: No, the Constitution should stay exactly as it is to prevent foreign influence.
Answer Key: Constitutional Check
| Candidate | Status | Reasoning |
|---|
| Lars (Norway) | Not Eligible | Naturalized citizen. He was not born on U.S. soil and has no U.S. parents. |
| Maya (Chicago) | Eligible | Born on U.S. soil. Her time spent living abroad doesn't change her "Natural Born" status. |
| Carlos (Mexico City) | Eligible | Born to a U.S. citizen parent (mother). This counts as Natural Born. |
| Elena (Florida) | Eligible | Born on U.S. soil. Even if parents aren't citizens, anyone born here is Natural Born. |
| Sam (France) | Eligible | Born to U.S. parents. Like Carlos, this is Natural Born. |
| Jin (South Korea) | Not Eligible | Naturalized citizen. Even though she moved at age 1, she wasn't born here or to U.S. parents. |
Constitutional Check Worksheet
Constitutional Check
Office of Eligibility Review
Agent Name:
Date:
Field Reference: The "Natural Born" Rule
According to the U.S. Constitution, to be eligible for the Presidency, a candidate must be a Natural Born Citizen. This means they were: (1) Born on U.S. soil (any state or territory) OR (2) Born to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen. Naturalized citizens (immigrants who earned citizenship later) are not eligible.
1
Lars G.
"Born in Norway. Moved to the U.S. at age 5. Became a U.S. citizen through naturalization at age 20. Currently age 45."
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
Reason: __________________________________________________________________
2
Maya S.
"Born in Chicago, Illinois. Lived in Japan for 20 years. Moved back to the U.S. 15 years ago. Currently age 45."
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
Reason: __________________________________________________________________
3
Carlos R.
"Born in Mexico City. Mother is a U.S. citizen from Texas. Moved to the U.S. at age 10. Currently age 40."
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
Reason: __________________________________________________________________
4
Elena M.
"Born in Florida. Parents are German citizens visiting on work visas. Currently age 38."
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
Reason: __________________________________________________________________
5
Sam W.
"Born in France. Both parents are U.S. citizens working abroad. Moved to the U.S. at age 3. Currently age 55."
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
Reason: __________________________________________________________________
6
Jin L.
"Born in South Korea. Moved to the U.S. at age 1. Became a naturalized citizen at age 18. Currently age 42."
ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
Reason: __________________________________________________________________
Presidency Vote Cards
YES
I support allowing naturalized citizens to run for President.
NO
The "Natural Born" requirement should stay as it is.
YES
I support allowing naturalized citizens to run for President.
NO
The "Natural Born" requirement should stay as it is.
Cut along the dashed lines to create debate cards
