Citizenshipthe rights, duties, and responsibilities

Citizenship

A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government.

Another word for allegiance is loyalty.

Citizenship

Do we have rights?How do we know

what our rights are as citizens?

The Constitution of the United States of America establishes and protects the citizen's fundamental rights and liberties.

Few rights, if any, are considered absolute or unrestricted.

Citizenship

What fundamental rights and liberties are guaranteed in the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America?

Citizenship

First Amendment freedoms Religion Speech Press Assembly Petition

Citizenship

Religion—Government may not establish an official religion, nor endorse, or unduly interfere with the free exercise of religion.

Citizenship

Speech—Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs.

Citizenship

Press—The press has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government.

Citizenship

Assembly—Individuals may peacefully gather.

This applies to every citizen of the United States – young, old, male, female, all races and creeds.

Citizenship

Petition—Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials.

Citizenship

Fourteenth Amendment

Extends the due process protection to actions of the states

Citizenship

For government to be effective, citizens must fulfill their civic duties.

Citizenship

What duties are expected of all citizens?

Duties of responsible citizens

Obey lawsPay taxesServe in the armed

forces if calledServe on a jury or

as a witness in court

Citizenship

Citizens who choose not to fulfill these civic duties face legal consequences.

Remember: If you don’t fulfill your responsibilities, then you probably don’t have the right to complain. Being a responsible citizen entitles you to a voice in the government!

Citizenship

A basic responsibility of citizenship is to contribute to the common good.

Citizenship

What are the ways individuals demonstrate responsible citizenship?

Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice; they are voluntary.

Each citizen can choose their level of participation.

Obviously, some are more involved than others.

Citizenship

Responsibilities of citizensRegister and voteHold elective officeInfluence government by communicating

with government officialsServe in voluntary, appointed positionsParticipate in political campaignsKeep informed regarding current issuesRespect others' rights to an equal voice in

government

Citizenship

A democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens.

Citizenship

In what ways do citizens participate in community service?

Citizenship

Ways for citizens to participate in community service

Volunteer to support democratic institutions (e.g., League of Women Voters).

CitizenshipWays for citizens to

participate in community service

Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole (e.g., environment, public health and safety, education).

CitizenshipWays for citizens to

participate in community service

Help to make the community a good place to work and live (e.g., by becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring, volunteering in nursing homes).

Citizenship

Thoughtful and effective participation in civic life depends upon the exercise of good citizenship.

Personal traits of good citizens

Trustworthiness and honesty

Courtesy and respect for the rights of others

Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance

Respect for the lawPatriotism