Slide 1

Put on your headphones! This is a narrated presentation!

Set up your notebook paper like this and take notes : Define Civic Duty:

Examples of Civic Duties:1.2.3.4. Define Civic Responsibility:

Examples of Civic Responsibilities:1.2.3. 4.

Things We Must DoDuties as Citizens

Obey the Laws

All people must obey lawsMost important dutyIf we do not obey the law, the govt cannot maintain order or protect our health, safety & property

Pay Your Taxes

Property and income taxes are examplesTaxes are the governments revenue to provide services to citizensWithout taxes, the govt could not pay its employees, maintain armed forces to defend the nation, and help those in need

Defend the Nation

All men 18-25 years of age must register for the selective serviceWe havent had a draft since the Vietnam War b/c we have enough volunteers to serve in our military

Serve in Court

As a witness if subpoenaedAs a juror if called

Go to School

Until 16 years of ageBenefits both you and the govt b/c you need knowledge and skills to make wise decisions and our democratic system of govt needs informed citizens to operate well

ResponsibilitiesThings We Should Do

Be Informed

Use the Internet, television, magazines, newspapers, radioAllows citizens to make better decisions when participating in the political processAllows you to know your rights

Vote in Elections

Allows you to have a voice in governmentThe most important responsibilityEnsures that leadership is changed in a peaceful mannerU.S. has low voter turn out due to voter apathyThe attitude of not caring

Participate

Volunteer in your communityJoin a political partyCall, write or email your legislatorJoin a group working for a particular cause

Respect for Property

For public property as well as the property of othersThere are laws against littering, vandalism, graffiti

Respect for Others

Tolerate others differencesEven if you disagree w/ a persons lifestyle, religious beliefs, etc.To be a good citizen, you must treat all people with respect and politenessRespect others rights

Contribute to the Common Good

Responsible citizens are willing to contribute time, money, effort, and money to help other people and to improve the communityDonate to charitiesVolunteer

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 are students in grades 6 through 12.

Governments provide for many needs, but their resources are limited. Also, they are bureaucraciescomplex systems with many departments, rules, and people in the chain of command. Thus, governments cannot respond quickly to social problems.

Good citizens are concerned about the welfarethe health, prosperity, and happinessof all members of the community.

Some ways people participate in the community include leading a scout troop, mentoring schoolchildren, visiting a nursing home, and collecting canned goods. Volunteerism is the practice of offering your time and services to others without payment. Many Americans also contribute money to charity.

The federal government has created national volunteer programs. Americans in the Peace Corps help people in the poorest corners of the world.

AmeriCorps members might help disaster victims, clean up polluted rivers, or assist people with disabilities. In exchange, they receive a living allowance and money to help pay for college.

Americans aged 55 and older can volunteer through the Senior Corps. There are 3 main programs:Foster Grandparents for children with special needSenior Companions for other seniorsthe Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in which they might serve Meals on Wheels or do other neighborhood activities

The new USA Freedom Corps brought together the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Senior Corps, plus a new component called Citizen Corps.

DUTIESRESPONSIBILITIESObey the lawsBe informedPay your taxesVote in electionsDefend the nationParticipateServe in courtRespect for propertyGo to schoolRespect for othersContribute to the common good