Evolution of the national citizenry

Evolution of the national citizenry

By JocelynOrlando

  • The Constitution is Signed

    The Constitution is Signed
    • Event: The U.S. Constitution is signed, establishing the framework for the federal government. The original Constitution does not define citizenship, leaving it up to states.
    • Exclusion: Women, enslaved people, and Native Americans are not considered full citizens.

  • Naturalization Act

    Naturalization Act
    • Event: The first Naturalization Act is passed, allowing only "free white persons" to become citizens.
    • Exclusion: This means non-white immigrants, especially those from Asia and Africa, can’t become citizens
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    Native American Displacement

    • Event: The Indian Removal Act forces Native Americans off their land.
    • Exclusion: Native Americans are not considered citizens and face severe discrimination.
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    The Civil War

    • Event: The Civil War is fought over slavery and other issues.
    • Impact: The war leads to changes in citizenship laws.

  • 13th Amendment

    13th Amendment
    • Event: The 13th Amendment ends slavery in the U.S.
    • Inclusion: Enslaved people are freed but still struggle with discrimination.

  • 14th Amendment

    14th Amendment
    • Event: The 14th Amendment gives citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States."
    • Inclusion: Formerly enslaved people and their descendants are now citizens.
    • Exclusion: Discriminatory laws like Black Codes and Jim Crow laws continue.

  • Naturalization Act of 1870

    Naturalization Act of 1870
    • Event: This Act allows people of African descent to become citizens but still excludes Asian immigrants.
    • Exclusion: Asian immigrants cannot become citizens.

  • Indian Citizenship Act

    Indian Citizenship Act
    • Event: The Indian Citizenship Act gives citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S.
    • Inclusion: Native Americans are now U.S. citizens.
    • Challenges: Many states still restrict voting rights for Native Americans.

  • McCarran-Walter Act

    McCarran-Walter Act
    • Event: This Act removes racial barriers to naturalization and immigration.
    • Inclusion: Asian immigrants can now become U.S. citizens.

  • Civil Rights Act

    Civil Rights Act
    • Event: The Civil Rights Act bans discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
    • Impact: This Act helps fight racism and promotes equal rights for all citizens.

  • 26th Amendment

    26th Amendment
    • Event: The 26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18.
    • Inclusion: Young people can now vote, recognizing their role in democracy.

  • Obergefell v. Hodges

    Obergefell v. Hodges
    • Event: The Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.
    • Inclusion: Same-sex couples are recognized as equal under the law.