1. Ch. 5 The Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Duties and Responsiblities

2. A Citizen’s Legal Duties
Each of us belongs to many communities:
- neighborhood
- town, city
- school
- church
- state
- country
As community members, we have many responsibilities – things we should do or obligations that we fulfill voluntarily

3. A Citizen’s Legal Duties
As citizens, 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.

4. Duties
Obey the Law - 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, and maintain armed forces. People pay a percentage of what they bring in, or on the sale of goods or even property.
Defend the Nation - In the U.S. all men aged must register with the government in case the country needs to draft, or call up men for military service; today military service is voluntary.
Serve in Court - Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury or as a witness at a trial if called to do so.
Attend School - Most states require young people to attend school until the age of 16.

5. Civic Responsibilities
Be Informed - Know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinion.
- People can learn about issues and leaders by reading print publications, listening to news on the radio or T.V., talking o people, and searching the internet * Be aware of your rights
Speak Up and Vote - Remember, the government exists to serve you, but you must make your concerns known.
- Calling, writing, or sending s to your elected representatives; joining political parties; working for a cause - VOTE
Respect Other’s Rights - people must respect public property and the property of others.
- vandalizing and littering are not only disrespectful but also a crime.

6. Civic Responsibilities
Respect Diversity - Although we may disagree with people or disapprove of their lifestyles, these people have an equal right to their beliefs and practices
- Tolerance means respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences.
- Diversity in our country is a strength, all citizens are equal and entitled to be treated the same.
Contribute to the Common Good- Contributing time, effort, and money to help others and to improve the community life.
- Be an active participant in your community

7. Citizens and the Community
Americans do volunteer work to help make their communities better places to live.
A community is a group of people who share the same interests and concerns.
Many volunteers today are students between grades 6-12.
Government at all levels, provide many needs for the people, but resources are limited.
Governments are bureaucracies – complex systems with many departments, rules, and people in the chain of command.
This often makes it difficult for government to respond quickly to social problems.

8. Citizens and the Community
Good citizens of this country are concerned about the welfare – the health, prosperity, and happiness of all members of the community.
Some people participate in the community by leading a scout troop; others mentor school children; visit nursing homes; and collecting canned goods. Ex. PTA

9. Citizens and the Community
Volunteerism is the practice of offering your time and services to others without payment.
Instead of their time, many Americans contribute money to charity
In 2005, people gave more than $250 billion to charity. Average 2% of their income.
Most came from average individual citizens, some came from large corporations.
Many companies believe in giving back to the community.
Ex. sponsoring a recreational sports team, donating prizes for community fund-raisers, contributing to college scholarships to students
Ex. Bentonville, Arkansas – Wal-Mart

10. Citizens and the Community
When it comes to volunteering, people are more likely to participate when they feel a personal connection to a cause or know others involved ex. PTA
There are more than 1 million registered charities with the federal government; many are small and locally based.
All are dependant on ordinary people giving their time.

11. Citizens and the Community
More than half of all U.S. middle schools and high schools now arrange community service for students from 6-12 grade.
Several hundred school districts now require high school students to volunteer a set number of hours to earn a graduation diploma.
The federal government has created national volunteer programs:
1961, John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to fight poverty, disease, and war in the poorest corners of the world.
Established the Peace Corps which now has 180,000 members in 138 countries.
Includes advising farmers, teaching children, vaccinations against disease, etc.

12. Citizens and the Community
AmeriCorps was established in ,000 Americans participate.
Domestically help disaster victims, clean up polluted rivers, assist individuals with disabilities.
In exchange, people receive a small living allowance and money to help pay for college.
Senior Corps established in 1965, is a volunteer program for people aged 55 and older. Consists of 3 main programs:
- Foster grandparents for children with special needs
- Senior companions for other seniors
- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (meals on wheels) or other neighborhood activities

13. Citizens and the Community
USA Freedom Corps was a new program implemented by George W. Bush which brought together all three programs:
Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps
Meant to focus on three areas of need:
- responding to national emergencies
- rebuilding our communities
- extending American compassion around the world

14. Citizens and the Community
By banding together, we truly serve ourselves.
The benefits of volunteering:
- make our communities better places to live
- gain opportunities to learn, make friends, improve skills
- gain the satisfaction of knowing that a difference has been made in someone else’s life.