Introduction
The Citizenship in the Nation merit badge offers Scouts a valuable opportunity to understand their country’s government and their role as a responsible citizen. By earning this badge, Scouts learn about the structure of the U.S. government, the rights and duties of its citizens, and the importance of being informed and engaged. Whether you’re interested in history, government, or community service, this badge helps you develop a greater appreciation for the nation and your part in it.
Timeframe/Difficulty
The Citizenship in the Nation merit badge typically takes a few weeks to complete. Its difficulty is moderate, as it requires critical thinking, research, and active participation. However, if you stay organized and plan your activities early, you should find it manageable. Requirements like visiting historic sites or federal buildings, watching government-related news, and learning the U.S. Constitution can take time, but the reward is a deeper understanding of your country.
Tips for Success
- Plan Visits Early: For requirements that involve visiting a federal or historic site, make sure to plan ahead. Check hours of operation and look for opportunities to learn something unique during your visit.
- Engage with Current Events: Watching the news is an important part of this badge. Pick a trusted source for news about the U.S. government and make a habit of staying informed.
- Take Notes: Whether you’re reading the U.S. Constitution or watching the news, jot down notes. This will help you when you discuss your findings with your merit badge counselor.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the government or how laws work. The more curious you are, the more you’ll get out of the badge.
- Stay Organized: Create a checklist of the requirements and tackle them one at a time. This will make it easier to stay on track.
Want to earn the other Citizenship based merit badges? You’re in luck! I have guides for all 4 Eagle required Citizenship merit badges. You can find them under the merit badge section of the site!
Complete Guide
***This guide is only intended as a starting point for your research. Directly copying the information offered here is plagiarism. Doing your own research will allow you to get the most out of this badge and maintain the 12 points of the scout law. A scout is trustworthy!***
Requirement 1: Understanding the U.S. Constitution
- What is the Constitution of the United States? You will start by discussing the Constitution, which is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government.
- What does the Constitution do? It defines the structure and powers of the federal government, divides it into three branches, and sets out the rights of citizens.
- What principles does it reflect? The Constitution is based on key principles like popular sovereignty (the people hold power), limited government, federalism (division of powers between the national and state governments), and checks and balances.
- Why is it important to have a Constitution? The Constitution ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. It also protects individual rights and provides a system for the peaceful transfer of power.
How to Approach This Requirement:
- Research the history of the Constitution—why it was created and the problems it was meant to solve (e.g., the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation).
- Discuss how the Constitution continues to guide U.S. governance today.
- Think about the importance of having a document that outlines government powers and protects citizens’ rights
- You could start your research here..
Requirement 2: The Preamble to the Constitution
- List the six purposes of the U.S. Constitution as outlined in the Preamble. The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Constitution and outlines its purposes:
- Form a more perfect union: Bring the states together under a stronger national government.
- Establish justice: Create a fair legal system.
- Ensure domestic tranquility: Maintain peace within the country.
- Provide for the common defense: Protect the country from external threats.
- Promote the general welfare: Support the well-being of all citizens.
- Secure the blessings of liberty: Protect freedom for current and future generations.
How These Purposes Affect You:
- Consider how these six purposes impact your daily life. For example, domestic tranquility ensures safety in your community, and promoting the general welfare involves public services like schools and healthcare.
- Discuss with your counselor how these purposes affect not only your family and community but also the country as a whole.
Requirement 3: Understanding the Branches of Government
- List the three branches of the U.S. government and explain the following:
- The function of each branch:
- Legislative Branch (Congress): Makes the laws. Congress consists of two houses—the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- Executive Branch (President): Enforces the laws. The President, Vice President, and Cabinet make up this branch.
- Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and other federal courts): Interprets the laws and ensures they align with the Constitution.
- Why it is important to divide powers among the branches: Dividing powers ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful. This concept is known as separation of powers.
- How each branch “checks” and “balances” the others:
- The President can veto laws passed by Congress.
- Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
- The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, but justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
- How citizens can be involved in each branch:
- Legislative: Vote for members of Congress, attend town hall meetings, and express your opinions on proposed legislation.
- Executive: Vote in presidential elections, write to the President or your local representatives.
- Judicial: Serve on a jury, follow and support court rulings that uphold the Constitution.
- The function of each branch:
Requirement 4: Important U.S. Documents
- Discuss the significance of these important documents:
- Declaration of Independence: This document, written in 1776, declared the colonies’ independence from Britain and outlined the principles of freedom and equality.
- Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments to the Constitution protect individual freedoms like speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.
- 14th Amendment: This amendment, ratified after the Civil War, grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and ensures equal protection under the law.
- E Pluribus Unum: This motto means “Out of Many, One” and symbolizes the unity of the diverse states and people that make up the U.S.
How to Approach This Requirement:
- Research how these documents shaped the United States and discuss their lasting significance with your counselor.
- Reflect on how the values in these documents influence your rights and responsibilities as a citizen today.
Requirement 5: Following the News
- Watch the national evening news for five days or read the main stories from a national media organization for five consecutive days. Afterward, discuss the national issues you learned about with your counselor and:
- Choose one issue and explain how it affects you, your family, and your community.
- Consider how the government is involved in addressing this issue and how citizens can influence government action.
How to Approach This Requirement:
- Choose a reputable news source and follow it consistently for five days.
- Take notes on the key national issues that are discussed, such as healthcare, education, or infrastructure.
- Reflect on how these issues impact your daily life and how government policies shape the outcomes.
Requirement 6: Historical Speech
- Choose a speech of national historical importance and explain:
- Who the author was: For example, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, or Martin Luther King Jr.
- What was the historical context? Consider the time period and events leading up to the speech.
- What difficulties was the nation facing? What challenges did the author address?
- What did the author say? Summarize the speech’s main points.
- Why is the speech important to U.S. history? Discuss its long-term significance and impact.
How to Approach This Requirement:
- Choose a well-known speech (like Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address or King’s “I Have a Dream”).
- Research the background of the speech, including the challenges the nation was facing at the time.
- Reflect on why the speech is still remembered and how it influenced the nation’s development.
Requirement 7: Visit a National Landmark or Monument
- Do TWO of the following:
- Visit a National Historic Landmark: Research the history and significance of the site. Reflect on how it contributed to the nation’s development.
- Tour your state capitol or the U.S. Capitol: Learn about the role of the capitol in government and its historical significance.
- Tour a federal facility: Visit a federal courthouse, military base, or other federal site and learn how it functions.
- Research a national monument: Using books or online resources, learn about the history and importance of a national monument.
How to Approach This Requirement:
- Plan your visits early to ensure availability and allow time for in-depth exploration.
- Take notes during your visit and ask questions about the site’s role in history and government.
- Reflect on how these landmarks or monuments represent the nation’s values and progress.
Requirement 8: Write to Your Congressional Representative
- Name your representatives in the U.S. Congress and write a letter to one of them. In your letter:
- Express your views on a national issue that is important to you.
- Ask your representative to explain their position on the issue or what actions they are taking to address it.
How to Approach This Requirement:
Show your counselor the letter and any response you receive.
Research current national issues and choose one that matters to you, such as climate change, healthcare, or education.
Write a respectful letter to your representative expressing your concerns and suggesting solutions.
Conclusion
Earning the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge is an enlightening journey into understanding the United States’ government, its history, and your role within it as a citizen. By completing the badge, you’ll not only gain a deeper appreciation for your country’s foundations but also become more informed and involved in its future. This badge teaches you the importance of active citizenship and prepares you to contribute meaningfully to your community and beyond.