Troop 252
Fairport, NY
  CITIZENSHIP IN THE NATION MERIT BADGE INFO SHEET
Last Updated January 16, 2010

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.

How to Complete the Requirements

This is an Eagle required merit badge. In order that your blue card will be completed you must show evidence of a firm and correct understanding of the requirements. You should consider this to be a very important part of your “Trail to Eagle”.  Instruction during meetings, completing your assignments, and participating in our discussions is very important. This link will also assist you: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/2/20/Citizenship_in_the_Nation.pdf.

Please go to the above link and print all pages of the workbook. This workbook should be completed as we move along and ready to discuss at your final conference.

Counselor’s Name: Mr. C
Counselor’s Phone Number: 360-1813
Counselor’s Email: jpc@travela.com

 

1.  Will be discussed at a Troop Meeting.  Take notes and be prepared to answer questions during final conference.

2.  Be prepared to answer this question during the final conference.

3.  Will be discussed at a Troop Meeting.  Very important.  Newspaper only.  Bring at least three days of "front pages".  Be prepared to discuss actively at a Troop Meeting.  Further discussion during your final conference.

4.  Will be discussed at a Troop Meeting.  Take notes and be prepared to answer questions during final conference.

5.  Prepare your list and be ready to discuss at a Troop Meeting.  Take notes and be prepared to answer questions during final conference.

6.  Will be discussed at a Troop Meeting.  Take notes and be prepared to answer questions during final conference.

7.  Will be discussed at a Troop Meeting.  Very important to take notes and be prepared to answer questions during final conference.

8. Will be discussed at a Troop Meeting.  Take notes and be prepared to answer questions during final conference.  Prepare letter and envelope ASAP.  Be sure that you state your position, ask a question to the person you are

     addressing, and ask for an answer or reply.  Give to me in a form that is ready for mailing.

Questions and Comments?

Contact Mr. C 
Final review by prior appointment only.

Schedule

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