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Learning Objectives

  • Identify the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment
  • Describe a reason the 14th Amendment was created
  • Describe the rationale behind the Supreme Court’s decision
  • Demonstrate an understanding of key vocabulary in the Citizenship Clause
  • Identify two ways a person can become a citizen of the United States according to the 14th Amendment

Overview

The 14th Amendment defined natural born citizenship for the nation. Over a century later, the clause is still making news. This mini-lesson examines the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, explains why it was created, and introduces students to questions raised in political debate around birthright citizenship.

How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court cases Elk v. Wilkins (1884) or our lesson Citizenship: Just the Facts. For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.

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