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Civics In Our Lives

Civics In Our Lives. Why do we study Civics?. Civics is the study of our rights and duties as citizens – it is the study of what it means to be a citizen. What is a right? What is a duty? A citizen is a legally recognized member of a community. Roman Citizenship.

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Civics In Our Lives

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  1. Civics In Our Lives

  2. Why do we study Civics? Civicsis the study of our rights and duties as citizens – it is the study of what it means to be a citizen. What is a right? What is a duty? • A citizen is alegallyrecognized member of a community.

  3. Roman Citizenship The idea of “citizen” has changed over time. For example, Romans used the term “citizen” to make distinctions about their people. Citizens were born in Rome, while non-citizens came from other territories.

  4. Today, citizens have rights, responsibilities and dutiesthat differ from country to country.

  5. Citizens • The rights and duties of citizens depend on their country’s government. • For example, Israelrequires all citizens (men and women) to serve in the military.

  6. What is Government? • A governmentis the organizations, institutions, and individuals who exercise political authority over a group of people.

  7. What is Government? • A governmentis the ruling authority over a people or community. • It has the power to make laws, enforce laws, and make decisions for the community. • Authority - the power to direct the actions of people

  8. Citizens & Government • Good citizens should be loyal to their government. In return, citizens are entitled to protection by (and from) that government. • This is the “social contract” that people have with their government – governments exist to protect the rights of the people and the people should respect the decisions of government.

  9. Citizens & Government • In America, you are a citizen of your local community, your state AND your country. • W- In the US, we have a federal system of government (Federalism!!!) where power is shared between the state and national governments (as opposed to a confederal system, where states have most of the power).

  10. Citizens’ “Training” In order to be a good citizen, you have to have “training” You need to understand many things like……: • The purpose of government • How the U.S. Economic System works • How the government works at each level • Localgovernment– the level of government that is closest to the people • Stategovernment– 50 different state governments in the US • Federal government – the highest level of government in the US

  11. Levels of Government

  12. Local Government (Tallahassee / Leon County)Closest to the people and provides most services- discuss services provided by this level of government……..

  13. State Government(Florida)- discuss services provided by this level of government

  14. Federal Government(United States of America)Highest level of government … discuss services provided by this level of government

  15. American Values

  16. American Values The United States is unique and noted for many of its values: 1 – equality 2 – liberty 3 – justice TheU.S. Constitutionguarantees certain rights and freedoms based on these shared values.

  17. American Values • Equality – means that each citizen has the equal rightto enjoy the same freedoms guaranteed to all. • For example, we have the right to seek employment, get an education, etc.

  18. American Values • Liberty– grants citizens thefreedomto make choices in their daily lives. • For example, we have the right to choose our religion, where we live, who we marry, etc.

  19. American Values • Justice– means that our government works to make sure all is fair and provides protection (police) when our rights are being violated. • If someone infringes on your rights, the courtscan settle the dispute. • As long as you do the “right thing”, your rights and freedoms can never be taken away. Doing the “right thing” means fulfilling your civic duty.

  20. How can we get involved? In order to have “a government of the people, by the people, for the people” (Abraham Lincoln) citizens must participate. Some ways we can get involved in government are: • Voting in Elections - This is our most important responsibility! • Expressing Our Opinion - Write, call, or email government officials to let your voice be heard!

  21. Characteristics of a good citizen? • Be a responsible family member • Respect and obey the law • Respect the rights and property of others • Be loyal to and proud of our country • Take part in and improve the community • Take an active part in our government • Use natural resources wisely • Be informed about key issues • Believe in equal opportunities • Respect individual differences, points of views and ways of life that are different from our own.

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