Citizens  CITIZENS: Members of a country who are protected by the government & involved in society.  They enjoy certain rights, but also have duties & responsibilities of citizenship.  Who is a citizen?  Anyone who is born in the US or has completed the naturalization process

Rights of Citizens RIGHTS OF CITIZENS:  Security: Protected by the Constitution  Equality: Natural rights of life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness written into the Declaration of Independence  which philosopher inspired this?  Liberty: Civil rights listed in the amendments  Which amendment gives free religion, assembly, press, petition, & speech?  Which amendment gives you right to a trial in civil cases?  Which amendment gave us equal protection under the laws?

Duties vs. Responsibilities  Duties: things you must do by law  Responsibilities: things you should do as a citizen; a voluntary obligation

Duties of a US Citizen DUTIES:  Obey laws  Pay taxes (income, sales, gas, property)  Defend the nation: all 18 year old men must register with the government in case the country needs to draft them for military service (has not happened since 1970s during Vietnam War)  Serve in court: serve on a jury – hear a case & reach a verdict (jury duty)  Attend school (until 16 in most states)

Responsibilities of a US Citizen RESPONSIBILITIES  Be informed: the government makes decisions that affect your life, so know what’s going on  VOTE: in all elections, not just presidential elections. You can choose your leaders!  Speak up: call, write, your representatives, start petitions – let the government know what you think  Respect others’ rights & diversity  Volunteer: try to help out others

Volunteer Opportunities NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS:  Peace Corps: by Pres Kennedy; created to help people in the world’s poorest countries. Build schools, dig wells, help start small businesses, stop the spread of AIDS & other serious diseases. A 2 year commitment  AmeriCorps: working with organizations in the US to meet community needs; if you finish a 1 year program, you receive $10,000 to use towards your education

Daily Assessment  Rank these duties/responsibilities in order of importance (most important at the top, least important at the bottom). Explain why you ranked them that way.  Voting  Jury duty  Volunteering  Paying taxes  Registering for the draft