Citizen Power Worksheet
Citizen Power
Civics & Government • Adapted for English Learners
Name:
Date:
Reading Strategy: Read the picture words first. Then read the chunked stories.
WIDA Level 1 Support
Key Academic Words (Picture Dictionary)
Write the word in your home language below
Citizen
A member of a country
My language:
Right
A freedom you have
My language:
Responsibility
A duty you must do
My language:
Naturalization
Steps to become a citizen
My language:
Law
A rule for everyone
My language:
Vote
To choose leaders
My language:
1 What is a Citizen?
Belonging to a Country
Being a citizen means you belong to a country. It is like being part of a big team!
In the United States, citizens have special rights (things you are allowed to do), like voting and getting a U.S. passport. Citizens also have responsibilities (things you should do), like following the law and helping your community.
Quick Check: What does a citizen belong to?
A country (or team) A store only
2 Two Ways to Become a Citizen
Birth & Naturalization
Way 1: Born in the U.S.
If you are born in the United States, you are automatically a U.S. citizen.
Way 2: Naturalization
A person born in another country can choose to become a citizen. They must:
- Live in the U.S. for years
- Speak basic English
- Pass a test on U.S. history
- Take an oath (promise) to be loyal
Quick Check: What is the process for people born in another country to become a citizen?
Naturalization A vacation trip
Unit 1: What is Citizenship? Page 1 of 3 • Vocabulary & Background
Citizen Power Part 2: Rights, Responsibilities & Questions
Name:
3 Rights vs. Responsibilities (Freedoms vs. Duties)
Important Comparison
Rights (Things You GET / Freedoms)
- Vote in elections for leaders
- Get a U.S. passport to travel
- Freedom to share ideas and practice religion
Responsibilities (Things You GIVE / Duties)
- Obey laws (follow rules)
- Pay taxes to help fund schools & roads
- Serve on a jury in court when asked
- Respect other people in the community
Dual Citizenship: Some people are citizens of two countries at the same time.
Comprehension Questions (Choose the best answer)
1. What is the main idea of this reading?
A. Citizenship comes with rights, responsibilities, and ways to join. B. Citizenship is only about traveling with a passport. C. Citizenship is only for people who break laws.
2. Which detail shows a responsibility (duty) of a citizen?
A. "Citizens are expected to obey laws, pay taxes, and vote." B. "Being a citizen means you belong to a country." C. "Some people may have dual citizenship."
3. What is naturalization?
A. A process for people born in other countries to become U.S. citizens B. A game or contest you win at school C. A vacation trip around the country
4. What is one right (freedom) that U.S. citizens have?
A. The right to vote in elections B. The right to ignore all laws C. The right to never help others
5. How do citizens help make their country and community better?
A. By following laws and respecting the rights of others B. By breaking community rules C. By working alone and never talking to anyone
Unit 1: What is Citizenship? Page 2 of 3 • Reading Comprehension
Citizen Power Part 3: Sorting & Writing Practice
Name:
Activity A: Sort Rights & Responsibilities
Use the Word Bank below. Write each phrase in the correct box.
Word Bank:
Voting in elections Obeying laws Getting a U.S. passport Paying taxes Freedom of speech Serving on a jury
Rights (3 Freedoms)
Responsibilities (3 Duties)
Activity B: My Citizenship Story (Writing Frames)
Complete the sentences below to explain what being a good citizen means to you.
Helpful words:
country rules voting helping respect school
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A citizen is a person who belongs to a .
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One important right that citizens have is .
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One responsibility I have is to follow .
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In my school or neighborhood, I am a good citizen when I .
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When everyone is a good citizen, our community becomes .
Activity C: Draw It! (Visual Representation)
Draw one way you are a good citizen (e.g., following rules, helping a friend, cleaning up).
Caption: In this picture, I am
Unit 1: What is Citizenship? Page 3 of 3 • Application & Reflection
