1. The Citizen and the Community
The Constitution Unit 2
Lesson 6

2. A Citizen’s Legal Duties
We are part of many different communities
Responsibilities are things we should do
Duties are things we must do
If you fail to do your duties you are subject to legal penalties
US govt. has several duties it expects its citizens to fulfill

3. Duties of US Citizens
Obey Laws: if people don’t obey laws govt. can not maintain order
Pay Taxes: taxes are used to pay for govt. service and pay govt. employees
Defend the Nation: all men aged 18 through 25 are required to register for the draft
Serve in Court: Americans are expected to serve on juries or serve as a witness if called to do so
Attend School: Most states require young people to attend school until age 16; Kentucky requirement is age of 18

4. Responsibilities of Citizens
Be Informed: a citizens should know what the govt. is doing so that you can voice your opinions on matters you feel strongly about
Speak Up and Vote: thoughtful citizens study, work for, and vote for candidates that they support so that they select the best people to lead our country
Respect Others Rights: citizens should treat their neighbors with respect, show respect for other property
Respect Diversity: Treating others with respect whether you agree with their opinion or lifestyle

5. The Need for Volunteering
Govt. has limited resources and is not capable of solving all of society’s problems
Govt. is often limited by bureaucracies; complex systems with many departments, many rules, and many people in the chain of command
In many cases the best solutions for problems in society come from private citizens

6. Volunteering
Volunteerism: the practice of offering your time and services to others without payment
People may also donate money to causes they find worthy
More than one million charities are officially registered with the federal government; many are small and locally based
Some schools, such as HC, have a community service requirement to graduate
Federal govt. also sponsors community service organizations: Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps