The Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship Unit 1

Opener: 11/13/17 Copy the following terms responsibilities–things we should do or obligations that we fulfill voluntarily. duties–things we are required to do.

A Citizen’s Legal Duties Each of us belongs to many communities. As community members, we have responsibilities–things we should do or obligations that we fulfill voluntarily. We also have duties–things we are required to do. We must fulfill duties required by national, state, and local governments or face fines or imprisonment.

A Citizen’s Legal Duties Obey the law. Laws serve specific purposes, such as to help people get along, prevent accidents, and see that resources are used fairly. Pay taxes. Government uses tax money to pay police, pave roads, maintain armed forces, and other activities. Income taxes are a percentage of what people earn. People also pay taxes on the sale of goods and services and on property.

A Citizen’s Legal Duties Defend the nation, if called. In the United States, all men aged 18–25 must register with the government in case the country needs to draft, or call up, men for military service. Service is currently voluntary. Serve in court, if called. Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury or as a witness at a trial if called to do so.

A Citizen’s Legal Duties Attend school. Most states require young people to attend school until age 16.

Civic Responsibilities Be informed. Know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinion. You can learn about issues and leaders by reading print publications, listening to news on the radio or TV, talking to people, and searching the Internet. Also, know your rights.

Civic Responsibilities Speak up and vote. Government exists to serve you, but you must make your concerns known. Call, write, or send e-mail to your elected representatives. Join a political party or work for a cause. Above all, vote.

Civic Responsibilities Study candidates and issues before marking your ballot. If the performance of an elected leader falls short, vote for someone else in the next election. Voting ensures a peaceful and orderly change of leadership.

Civic Responsibilities Respect others’ rights. Respect public property and the property of others. Vandalism and littering are not only disrespectful, but are also crimes.

Civic Responsibilities Respect diversity. Although you may disagree with people or disapprove of their lifestyles, they have an equal right to their beliefs and practices. Tolerance means respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences. Diversity is a strength. All citizens are equal and entitled to be treated the same.

Civic Responsibilities Contribute to the common good. Contribute time, effort, and money to help others and to improve community life. Be an active participant in your community.

Exit slip: 11/16/15 For today’s exit slip you will need a copy of the handout titled “Unit 3: Introduction to Your Role in Government Today” Ready….? Next we will watch a video from which you will base your answers to the next few questions After the video, you may quietly work with a partner sitting next to you

Categorizing Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship Together, with a partner next to you, create a T-Chart On the left, label the heading “Duties” On the right, label the heading “Responsibilities” Using your notes as well as your background knowledge, list as many duties and responsibilities of citizenship as you can and place them appropriately on the correct side of the chart