2. CITIZENSHIP Mr. Vivian 08/26/2011

3. Responsibilities and Duties  What do you think would happen if no one in America voted?  What do you think would happen in America if no one paid their taxes?

4. How could I be a good citizen? Citizenship Terms  Tolerance: Accepting others differences and being respectful.  Why do you think this is important in America?  Public Service: Giving back to your community by participating in civic life.  Volunteerism: working in the community without pay.  List 4 ways you could volunteer:

5. Volunteer Programs  Americorps: Domestic Service Program that places college age people in poor communities in America. Volunteers work for free for 1-2 years and get $ for future education.  Peace-Corps: Foreign Service Program that places college graduates in poor countries (outside the US) for 2 years.  Job Corps: Education and job placement program. An alternative to dropping out of school.

6. Ways to Participate  Voting!!! ((This is the best and easiest way to express your opinion and have your voice heard in American government) )  Jury Duty  Registering for the Selective Service (“Draft”).  Joining a political party  Running for office  Attending town meetings, public hearings, school board meetings, etc.  Staying informed about news and events in your community and the nation

7. Civic Responsibility for Students  Education: By staying in school you are fulfilling your civic duty. An education will allow you to get a job and contribute to this country’s economy. It will also allow you to make informed decisions when you are voting.

8. The more you learn, the more you earn!  View chart, answer questions 1.How much do you earn yearly without a high school diploma? 2.How much do you earn yearly with just a high school diploma? 3.How much do you earn yearly with a Bachelor’s Degree? 4.How much do you earn yearly with an advanced degree (masters or Ph.D)? 5.How much more do you earn yearly with Bachelor’s Degree than with just a high school diploma?

9. Cost v. Benefit: Citizen Action/CharacteristicDirect Impact of action on individual Larger impact: Cost (C) or Benefit (B) to society? Follows laws Never has to pay fines or go to jailB  keeps us safe. Reads Newspaper/Watches the news Pays Taxes Serves in Military Doesn’t pay taxes Doesn’t care about the news Ignores the laws Votes Doesn’t vote Volunteers at Boys & Girls Club Joins the Peace Corps Serves on a Jury Runs for political office

10. Making Tough Decisions  Do you think American citizens should vote when they don’t know anything about the candidates? Explain why or why not.  Specifically, why are good citizens important to having a good country and government in America? Please give 3 examples of good citizen actions that would produce a positive benefit for our country.