Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge

When: Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:00PM-3:30PM

Cost: $15

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Location: Zoom teleconference hosted by

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Buffalo, NY

You DO NOT need to buy a Zoom account to participate, though you may need to download the free program to join.

Maximum capacity:  8

Fee:  $15.00 per scout

Adult supervision is required. An adult parent or guardian must be present during the program. A brief survey evaluation may be sent to parents following the program.

All pre-visit materials must be mailed to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site for review one week prior to your scheduled Merit Badge Day.  Participants MUST use the TR Site worksheet.  To download a worksheet for preparation, see https://www.nps.gov/thri/learn/kidsyouth/bsaworksheets.htm

Please mail to:

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

Attn: Education Director

641 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14202

Or e-mail to tours@trsite.org

TR Inaugural Site merit badge sessions are participatory and scouts should expect to be asked to speak and participate actively.

Requirements

1 Pre-visit:   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. Be prepared to discuss this during your session with the TR Site. 

2 Pre-visit:   Do the following:  Research the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site.  Collect details about the museum and describe what you expect to learn or what you find interesting about its history.  During your session, you will virtually tour the TR Inaugural Site. This historic house museum is listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also considered a federal facility by the National Parks Service. 

3 Pre-visit:  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. Select a topic that is currently in the news. Pick a current world event based on one of the following categories: immigration, labor reform, conservation / environmentalism, urban poverty, racial or social inequality, role of the United States in foreign affairs. Choose one of the issues and explain how it affects you and your family.  Be prepared to discuss this during your session with the TR Site. 

4 a, b, c, d, and e Pre-visit:  Research and describe each of the following documents. Tell how you feel life in the United States might be different without each one. Then choose one document and explain how it impacts you and your family:  a. Declaration of Independence, b. Preamble to the Constitution, c. The Constitution, d. Bill of Rights, e. Amendments to the Constitution. Be prepared to discuss this during your session with the TR Site. 

5 Pre-visit:  List the six functions of government as noted in the preamble to the Constitution. Describe how these functions affect your family and local community.  Be prepared to discuss this during your session with the TR Site. 

6 Pre-visit:   Review the excerpt of a speech by Theodore Roosevelt about citizenship, “The Duties of American Citizenship,” provided by your counselor. See: https://www.nps.gov/thri/learn/kidsyouth/bsaworksheets.htm   Be prepared to discuss this topic during your session with the TR Inaugural Site for Merit Badge Day, particularly in regard to 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 Pre-visit:  Name the three branches of our federal government and explain their functions. Explain how citizens can be involved in each branch. Explain the importance of our checks and balances system. Describe how each branch “checks” and “balances” the others.  Be prepared to discuss this during your session with the TR Site. 

8 Pre-visit:  Name your two United States senators and the U.S. Representative 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 to your counselor, along with any response you might receive. Be prepared to discuss your topic, your letter, and any response you received during your session with the TR Inaugural Site for Merit Badge Day.