Living in Oswego, New York makes us citizens of Oswego, as well as citizens of New York State, and the United States.  As citizens, we should support our local, state, and national governments and follow their laws. Following these laws make us good citizens and gives us a feeling of pride in our community, state, and country.  We believe in certain ideals or standards which give us a common bond of pride.  Many of these are expressed in documents and symbols of our nation's democracy.

The Declaration of Independence 
gave America its freedom.

Written by Thomas Jefferson, one of our nation's "Founding Fathers,"  the Declaration of Independence explained why the colonists were breaking away from England to become a free and independent nation.  Jefferson said that all men had certain rights that should not be taken away.  It was a goal for our country. Among these were the right to "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 

See also: http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss5/b/demleadl.cfm, http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss5/c/documentsl.cfm, and http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss5/b/foundgovtl.cfm

The Constitution of the United States
is the highest law in our country.

 This document, or written plan, contains the basic rules and laws of the United States government. The introduction to the Constitution of the United States is known as the Preamble to the Constitution.  It explains why it was written and why the people of the United States are establishing a new government. It tells the goal or purpose of the government.  It opens with these lines:

“We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,      
establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves  
and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the                  
United States of America.”                                                                             

The authors of the Constitution wrote these words in 1787. They were meant to give our new nation strength, and state the rights of the American people.  The Constitution sets up our nation's laws. Every other law in the United States, whether local or state, must agree with the Constitution.

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution are called the Bill of Rights.  These laws were  later added to the Constitution. They protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans.   Among these are the freedom of speech and religion.  We are also given the freedom to assemble, or gather together peacefully and the freedom of the press, to write what we please. They give us the right to vote, have fair trials, and live freely without slavery. The Bill of Rights guarantees all citizens equal treatment under the law no matter who you are or what you believe.

See also: http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss5/b/demleadl.cfm and http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss5/c/documentsl.cfm

We have many Symbols of freedom and pride
which bond us together as citizens of the United States of America.

Our national flag is honored when we say the Pledge of Allegiance.  When we say the pledge we hold our right hand over our heart or salute to show our respect. 

Sometimes our national flag is referred to as "Old Glory."  It is also known as the "Stars and Stripes" or the "Star Spangled Banner."  Whatever it is known as, it is a symbol of our freedom and should always be respected.

There are many Songs which we value
as symbols of loyalty to our country. 

 The Star-Spangled Banner,  became the United States' official  national anthem in 1931.  It was written as a poem in 1814 by Francis Scott Key.  At that time, the British were attacking American forces during the War of 1812.

Other songs like “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee),”  “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America” also show our patriotism and feelings for our country.  In them we sing of our liberty, brotherhood, and pride in America.

Stories, poems, and speeches may also express our American values.   Reading or hearing stories of our presidents, veterans, and American heroes give us a feeling of patriotism.