Goal 10 Issues Regarding Responsibility in the American Constitutional Democracy

Conflicting Responsibilities Civic Responsibilities (voting, speaking on issues, community activism) Personal Responsibilities (oneself, family and friends) Fiscal Responsibilities (money) Legal Responsibilities (obey the law) Moral Responsibilities (religious convictions)

Functioning as a Community Collaboration – coming together to seek a solution Cooperation – working together constructively Compromise – willing to give up a little of what you want for the greater good

Diversity Theories E Pluribus Unum and the Melting Pot (people abandon cultural differences and become one homogenous mix of people) Assimilation (people fit into mainstream society) Tossed Salad Theory (people keep cultural identities) Multiculturalism (encourages people to have cultural differences)

Social Problems Racism, sexism, ageism, bias, negative stereotypes based on nationality, religious differences, physical appearances including disabilities and diseases are all social problems Most citizens argue that more needs to be done to solve these social problems

Reoccuring Issues Discriminati on Unemploym ent and Underemplo yment Poverty and Homelessnes s Substance Abuse Prison Reform and Crime DiseaseImmigration (Legal and Illegal) National Security (Terrorism) Natural Disasters Pollution (Waste and Acid Rain) Greenhouse Effect and Environment TaxationGraft and Corruption Baby Boomers Graying Population Citizen Apathy Needs of Citizens Global Warming Bird Flu and H1N1 Just know what each is

Effective Citizenship Informed Citizens make better citizens Education, Life-long Learning, and Self- Motivation are also factors Participating in Public Service Citizens are influenced by earning capacity (how much income one can earn in a lifetime), and literacy (whether they can read and write)

Effective Citizenship Characteristics Voluntary Compliance – willingness to obey laws Volunteerism – giving up time and energy Community Spirit – having pride in the community and doing community service Patriotism – love of one’s country Respecting the rights of others Paying Taxes Voting Responsible Behavior

Benefits and Consequences of Freedom Benefits 1) Self-determination allows citizens to make own choices 2) Liberty 3) Freedom to make political and social choices 4) Opportunity to pursue success Consequences 1)Responsibility for mistakes and failures 2)Entrepreneurs can fail much more easily 3)Compromise sometimes doesn’t occur and freedoms are imposed upon