1. Miss Smith Grade 7 Civics *pgs. 6-10 Civics in Practice
Civics in Our Lives
Miss Smith
Grade 7 Civics
*pgs Civics in Practice

2. Why Study Civics Civics- the study of citizenship and government
Citizen- a legally recognized member of a country
Citizenship was originated in ancient Greece and then was adopted by the Romans

3. Being a Citizen
In Rome, citizens were only males who lived in the city
Women had some rights but could not be citizens
Roman citizens:
Voted
Paid taxes
Attended assembly meetings
Served in the army

4. Being a Citizen The rights of citizens vary from country to country
Government- the organizations, institutions, and individuals who exercise political authority over a group of people
What are some ways Americans participate in society? They belong to a family, go to school, are members of their communities, and are state and U.S. citizens
How are the responsibilities of citizens in different countries different? Citizens of some countries are required to serve in the military or pay taxes, while citizens of other countries are not

5. Being an American Citizen
Citizenship includes being a productive member of society
Americans can participate in society by:
Belonging to a family
Going to school
Working with others

6. Being an American Citizen
To be a good citizen you must:
Understand the purpose of government
Know how government works on the national, state, and local levels
Understand the U.S. economic system (and how the gov. and economy interact)
In what ways might being a member of a family and community help a person learn to be a good citizen? People in families and communities have rights and responsibilities similar to those of citizens. People often learn to be responsible, productive , and sharing from their experiences in their family and community

7. American Values Values- ideas that people hold dear and try to live by
America’s basic values are: Equality, Liberty, and Justice
Our government, laws, rights, and freedoms are based on these 3 American values

8. American Values Equality All people are equal under the law
Each citizen gets the same rights and benefits
Ex: seeking an education or choosing a job/career
Liberty
Liberty = freedom
Justice
The gov. prevents others from violating our rights and punishes those who do
Civic duty- following the laws and doing your share to protect the rights and freedoms of others
What does the ideal of equality mean for Americans today? All people are equal under the law. The rights of each person are equal to those of every other person
How do laws and justice help preserve Americans’ equality? Enforcing laws protects Americans’ rights and makes sure that no one can act as if his or her own life and liberties are more important than those of other people
What are some more rights that help preserve Americans’ freedom? How? Answers will vary

9. Qualities of a Good Citizen
A government “by the people” means the people must participate
We can participate by:
Voting in Elections
Elected officials who ignore voters can be removed from office
Work/volunteer for a political party
Expressing Your Opinion
Let officials know what you need and when you disagree
Why are many of the most important positions in American government elected? To make sure that officeholders respond to citizens wishes and concerns
Why is it helpful for the men and women who govern to hear about citizens’ needs and concerns? It helps them stay connected and meet citizens’ needs. This can also help them get re-elected

10. Qualities of a Good Citizen
Being an Effective Citizen
Good citizens:
Are responsible family members
Respect and obey the law
Respect the rights and property of others
Are loyal to and proud of their country
Take part in and improve life in their communities
Take an active part in their government
Use natural resources wisely
Are informed on key issues and willing to take a stand on these issues
Believe in equal opportunity for all people
Respect individual differences, points of view, and ways of life that are different from their own
What are some additional characteristics of good citizens? Why are these qualities important? Answers will vary