Section 1: Introduction

Figure 1. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of free people all over the world. The statue was a gift from France. The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor. It was dedicated in 1886. (National Park Service)

A nationLarge group of people in an area who are organized under one government is a large group of people in an area who are organized under one government.Group of people who make rules for the nation A government is the group of people who makes rules for the nation. Members of a nation are called citizens.Members of a nation

In order to be a citizen of North Dakota, one must first be a citizen of the United States. U.S. citizenshipBeing a citizen may be obtained in one of two ways—either as a natural citizen or a naturalized citizen.

Any person born in the United States is a natural citizen.Any person born in the United States or whose parents are U.S. citizens Someone born in another country is also a natural citizen of the United States if his or her parents are both U.S. citizens.

A naturalized citizenA person who was born in another country but became a citizen after moving to the United States is a person who was born in another country but became a citizen after moving to the United States. Certain requirements must be met in order to become a naturalized citizen. Generally, the individual must be at least 18 years of age; have lived in the United States for at least five years; know simple English; pass a test showing basic knowledge of U.S. history and government; and take an oath promising to give allegiance,Loyalty or loyalty, to the United States.