Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge

Citizenship in the Nation and the Trail to Eagle

Citizenship in the Nation is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete Citizenship in the Nation, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.

Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 8 main requirements for Citizenship in the Nation. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Explain what citizenship in the nation means and what it takes to be a good citizen of this country.
2
Do TWO of the following: visit a National Historic Landmark, tour your state capitol or U.S. Capitol, tour a federal facility, or research a national monument.
3
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. Discuss the national issues.
4
Discuss each of the following documents: Declaration of Independence, Preamble to the Constitution, The Constitution, Bill of Rights, Amendments to the Constitution.
5
List the six functions of government as noted in the preamble to the Constitution.
6
With your counselor's approval, choose a speech of national historical importance.
7
Name the three branches of our federal government and explain their functions.
8
Name your two senators and member of Congress. Write a letter about a national issue and send it to one of these elected officials.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Citizenship in the Nation, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Citizenship in the Nation is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 2 months for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 8 Citizenship in the Nation requirements for you.

Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

Yes. Citizenship in the Nation is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges every Eagle Scout must earn.

How long does the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Citizenship in the Nation in about 2 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge?

Citizenship in the Nation is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Citizenship in the Nation can sign off requirements.