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Citizenship in the World: Merit Badge Session for Boy Scouts of America.
Required | Lecture and Discussion Agenda
Last revised 23 Sep '06; by Jeremy Lewis.
Introduction to the Counselor


Requirements from MeritBadge.com

   1.  Answer the following:
         1. What is citizenship? How does one become a citizen in the United States? How does one become a citizen in other countries?
         2. What rights, duties, and obligations does American citizenship entail? How are these similar to or different from the way citizenship is experienced in two other countries?
   2. Do the following:
         1. Discuss the concept of national interest.
         2. Explain how a country's security, economy, and values relate to its national interest.
   3. Explain ONE of the following to your counselor:
         1. How communications and transportation have changed relationships between countries
         2. How changing national interests, democratic values, and global economic partnerships are affecting the relationships between countries
   4. Do the following:
         1. Tell how the geography, natural resources, and climate of a country affect its economy.
         2. Using a map of the world, select two countries. Describe how geography, natural resources, and climate are important in defining each country's national interest. Explain how these interests affect relations with at least two other countries.
   5. Do the following:
         1. Explain international law and how it differs from national law. What role does international law perform in the international system? Describe how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.
         2. Select TWO of the following global issues and explain how they have been affected by international agreements and treaties:
               1. Environmentalism
               2. Terrorism
               3. International trade
               4. Communications
               5. Transportation
               6. Famine relief
               7. Disease control
               8. International sports
         3. Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the international system:
               1. The United Nations
               2. The World Court
               3. World Organization of the Scout Movement
               4. The World Health Organization
               5. Amnesty International
               6. The International Red Cross
               7. Americas Watch
               8. CARE
   6. Do the following:
         1. Explain to your counselor what is meant by
               1. International trade agreement
               2. Foreign exchange
               3. Balance of payments
               4. Tariffs
               5. Free trade
         2. Explain how world trade and global competition affect the economy of your state and your community.
         3.
               1. Locate the listing of foreign currency exchange rates in the financial section of the newspaper. Select three major foreign currencies and explain the rates of exchange between these currencies and the American dollar.
               2. Select a foreign currency and price a product in that currency. Explain how fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the price of that product if you are exporting it from the United States. Explain how fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the price of that product if you are importing it into the United States.
   7. Do the following:
         1. Discuss the differences between constitutional and non-constitutional governments.
         2. Name at least five different types of government currently in power in the world.
         3. Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government.
   8. Do the following:
         1. Explain how a government is represented abroad. How is the United States government accredited to international organizations?
         2. Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations:
               1. Ambassador
               2. Consul
               3. United States Information Agency
               4. Agency for International Development
               5. Foreign Commercial Service
         3. Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel.
   9. Do ONE of the following:
         1. Attend a world jamboree.
         2. Take part in an international event in your area.
         3. Visit with a foreign exchange student and discuss his or her country and customs.
         4. Study a foreign language for a year.
         5. Write an embassy or consulate for material about its country and discuss the material with your counselor.
         6. Examine a particular international issue and give a brief oral presentation and a written report to your counselor.

BSA Advancement ID#: 4
Source: Boy Scout Requirements, #33215, revised 2004