Boy Scout Archives: Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge

Citizenship in the Nation Merit BadgeAs Scouts fulfill the requirements for this merit badge, they will learn how to become active citizens are aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights, to participate in their governments and protect their freedom, helping to defend their country and standing up for individual rights on behalf of all its citizens..

The Citizenship in the Nation merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout

Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge 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 outabout 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.

Related Articles:

leadershipLeadership Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts  This program feature offers the opportunity to explore different aspects of leadership. This would be an especially relevant program theme if your troop youth leadership elections are approaching.

 

American eagle with flagCitizenship Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts  The citizenship troop program feature offers the opportunity to introduce concepts of history, flag etiquette, and responsibilities in a troop setting.

 

1776 fun and easy tools, tips, and activities to help your child love this countryHow to Raise an American: Citizenship Activities for Kids  This is a book for adults interested in instilling citizenship and a love of our nation in kids. It includes 1776 specific ideas for raising patriotic Americans.

 

This book covers why countries have flags, the history and requirements of US flag designs, and flag etiquette.Flag Etiquette for Kids - Our American Flag  Looking for information on flag etiquette for kids? This book covers why countries have flags, the history and requirements of US flag designs, and flag etiquette.

 

The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation uses the art of illustrated storytelling to breathe life into our nation’s cornerstone principles. Simply put, it is the most enjoyable and groundbreaking way to read the governing document of the United States. Spirited and visually witty, it roves article by article, amendment by amendment, to get at the meaning, background, and enduring relevance of the law of the land.The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation  This story of the Constitution in graphic format will engage young readers who are seeking to learn more about the US government.

 

CompassionPublic Service Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts  The focus in this program feature is citizenship and service. Younger Boy Scouts can work on flag etiquette, flag ceremonies, and their rights and duties as US Citizens. Older Scouts could work on the Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World merit badges.

 

Citizenship in the Nation Merit BadgeCitizenship in the Nation Merit Badge for Boy Scouts  LC and DS recently completed the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. They seemed to enjoy this one more than some of the other Eagle required badges. We had taken a trip to Washington DC in the past year, so they had a chance to use some of the places we visited there to help fulfill the requirements.

 

Personal Management Merit Badge for Boy ScoutsRequirements and Helps for Boy Scout Merit Badges  You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 100 merit badges.

 

US FlagCitizenship Football Game  The purpose of the game is to reinforce the ideas which are discussed in the Webelos Citizen activity badge.

 

US FlagConstitution Word Search Puzzle  In honor of Independance Day, here is a word search with vocabulary related to the United States Constitution.