Civics - Lesson 1.3 - Duties and Responsibilities of American Citizens

Be an Informed and Active citizen

- Citizens have a responsibility to make sure the government is working properly. - Voting is one of American citizens most important responsibilities - In the U.S all citizens 18 years and older have the right to vote

Contribute to the Common Good

- In order for communities to grow people need to participate - The members of a community must contribute to the common good or the things that benefit all members of the community

Americans should

- Respect different opinions and ways of life - Make their concerns known - Participate in their community and government - Be informed and vote

pay taxes

- Taxes provide most of the money government needs to keep running -Taxes allow local communities (state governments) to hire police officers and firefighters, run schools and pave roads - People who try to avoid paying taxes face fines and penalties federal government uses taxes to pay its employees, defend the country, and help those in need.

National Service Programs

- The Corporation for National and Community Service: provides money training and other help for volunteer groups - Ameri Corps: members work in education, public safety, health, and the environment - Older Americans: can serve in Senior Corps to help their communities

defend the nation

- The Selective Service System (SSD) is a government agency that keeps a record of all males in this age span (18 to 25) - In the case of an emergency the government may need to draft some of these men (SSS)

The spirit of volunteerism

- The U.S has more than 1 mil charities - "Self interest rightly understood" - It means that you can help yourself by helping the community

attend school

- The government provides free public elementary and secondary education - In school students are taught the knowledge and skills they need to become good citizens - state laws: have to go to school

Respect the Rights of Others

- Treating others politely and respectfully is part of being a good citizen - The US has a very diverse population - Tolerance

Being Involved

- We rely on government to provide many services - Welfare

Obey the law

- it is the most important dutie of citizens - if laws aren't obeyed, communities cannot maintain order or protect our health, safety, and property

Different kinds of taxes

- sales of goods tax - property tax - income tax

Donating Time and Money

- volunteerism - Americans give more than 300 billion to charity each year

What is the difference between a duty and a responsibility?

A duty is an action that we are required to perform and a responsibility is something we should do. Duty is an action we are required to do register to record or enroll formally and responsibility is an obligation that we meet of our own free will

Which group works primarily on issues of education, public safety, health, and the environment?

A.Senior Corps B.Boys and Girls Clubs C.Habitat for Humanity D.AmeriCorps

_________________ is a responsibility of a citizen

A.Spending money B.Saving money C.Running for office D.Staying informed

If U.S. government officials perform in an irresponsible manner, citizens are powerless to change leaders

A.TRUE B.FALSE

Since 1973, only volunteers have served in the United States armed forces

A.TRUE B.FALSE

The U.S. government has ___________ of support for volunteerism

A.a poor record B.a negative view C.a long history D.no history

Taxes provide ________ of the money government needs to keep running

A.a small amount B.all C.most D.none

Which of the following Is an example of contributing to the common good?

A.advertising a physical therapy practice in the local newspaper B.spending an afternoon working in a private garden C.donating food to a food pantry for the poor D.writing an editorial arguing for taxpayer funding of a sports stadium

Obeying laws, paying taxes, defending the nation, serving in court, and ___________ are duties of American citizens

A.attending school B.attending church C.volunteering D.votin

Volunteerism involves giving __________ to others without receiving payment

A.orders B.money C.time and services D.responsibilities

Why do Americans volunteer?

Americans volunteer to make our communities better places to live and to learn valuable skills.

Americans must

Attend school Pay taxes Obey the law Serve in a jury

Why is attending school a duty?

Because schools teach the knowledge needed to be good citizens. They also prepare students to be skilled workers

Why is tolerance important in the United States?

Because society runs smoothly when people respect one another's rights and property

Why is voting important?

Because voting gives you the chance to help shape the future of your community, state, and nation

Why is it every citizen's responsibility to be informed?

Citizens have a responsibility to be informed so that they can voice their opinions on new matters.

What do you think is the most important duty or responsibility of a citizen? Explain the reasons for your choice.

I think voting is the most important responsibility of a citizen. I chose voting because you have the freedom to elect a new leader

Why do you think serving on a jury is a civic duty?

It is a civic duty because it is a duty that citizens are required to perform.

serve in court

The U.S Constitution guarantees anyone accused of a crime the right to a trial by jury Jury duty; witnesses

If the U.S. military did not have enough volunteers to fight a war, what would the government do?

The government may draft men from the Selective Service System (SSS) list last draft was in 1973

duty

actions that we are required to perform

responsibility

an obligation that we fulfill voluntarily Americans citizens have legal duties they have to carry out

laws

are sets of rules that allow people to live together peacefully

volunteerism

giving your time and services to others without expecting payment

tolerance

respecting and accepting others

What is tolerance?

respecting and accepting others regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences.

welfare

the health, prosperity, and happiness of the members of a community

draft

to call for military service

register

to record or enroll

Major Responsibilities of American Citizens

• be informed and active citizen • knowledge is power • vote • support a cause • respect the rights and property of others • respect different opinions and ways of life

Major Duties of American Citizens

• obey the law • pay taxes • defend the nation • serve in court • attend school