Ch. 5 The Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship

1. Ch. 5 The Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship Duties and Responsiblities

2. A Citizen’s Legal Duties • Each of us belongs to many communities: - neighborhood - town, city - school - church - state - country • As community members, we have many responsibilities – things we should do or obligations that we fulfill voluntarily

3. A Citizen’s Legal Duties • As citizens, we also have duties – things we are required to do. • We must fulfill duties required by national, state, and local governments or face fines or imprisonment.

4. Duties • Obey the Law - Serve specific purposes, such as to help people get along, prevent accidents, and see that resources are used fairly • Pay Taxes - Government uses tax money to pay police, pave roads, and maintain armed forces. People pay a percentage of what they bring in, or on the sale of goods or even property. • Defend the Nation - In the U.S. all men aged 18-25 must register with the government in case the country needs to draft, or call up men for military service; today military service is voluntary. • Serve in Court - Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury or as a witness at a trial if called to do so. • Attend School - Most states require young people to attend school until the age of 16.

5. Civic Responsibilities • Be Informed - Know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinion. - People can learn about issues and leaders by reading print publications, listening to news on the radio or T.V., talking o people, and searching the internet *Be aware of your rights • Speak Up and Vote - Remember, the government exists to serve you, but you must make your concerns known. - Calling, writing, or sending e-mails to your elected representatives; joining political parties; working for a cause - VOTE • Respect Other’s Rights - people must respect public property and the property of others. - vandalizing and littering are not only disrespectful but also a crime.

6. Civic Responsibilities • Respect Diversity - Although we may disagree with people or disapprove of their lifestyles, these people have an equal right to their beliefs and practices - Tolerance means respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences. - Diversity in our country is a strength, all citizens are equal and entitled to be treated the same. • Contribute to the Common Good- Contributing time, effort, and money to help others and to improve the community life. - Be an active participant in your community

7. Citizens and the Community • 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 today are students between grades 6-12. • Government at all levels, provide many needs for the people, but resources are limited. • Governments are bureaucracies – complex systems with many departments, rules, and people in the chain of command. • This often makes it difficult for government to respond quickly to social problems.

8. Citizens and the Community • Good citizens of this country are concerned about the welfare – the health, prosperity, and happiness of all members of the community. • Some people participate in the community by leading a scout troop; others mentor school children; visit nursing homes; and collecting canned goods. Ex. PTA

9. Citizens and the Community • Volunteerism is the practice of offering your time and services to others without payment. • Instead of their time, many Americans contribute money to charity • In 2005, people gave more than $250 billion to charity. Average 2% of their income. • Most came from average individual citizens, some came from large corporations. • Many companies believe in giving back to the community. • Ex. sponsoring a recreational sports team, donating prizes for community fund-raisers, contributing to college scholarships to students • Ex. Bentonville, Arkansas – Wal-Mart

10. Citizens and the Community • When it comes to volunteering, people are more likely to participate when they feel a personal connection to a cause or know others involved ex. PTA • There are more than 1 million registered charities with the federal government; many are small and locally based. • All are dependant on ordinary people giving their time.

11. Citizens and the Community • More than half of all U.S. middle schools and high schools now arrange community service for students from 6-12 grade. • Several hundred school districts now require high school students to volunteer a set number of hours to earn a graduation diploma. • The federal government has created national volunteer programs: • 1961, John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to fight poverty, disease, and war in the poorest corners of the world. • Established the Peace Corps which now has 180,000 members in 138 countries. • Includes advising farmers, teaching children, vaccinations against disease, etc.

12. Citizens and the Community • AmeriCorps was established in 1993. 50,000 Americans participate. • Domestically help disaster victims, clean up polluted rivers, assist individuals with disabilities. • In exchange, people receive a small living allowance and money to help pay for college. • Senior Corps established in 1965, is a volunteer program for people aged 55 and older. Consists of 3 main programs: - Foster grandparents for children with special needs - Senior companions for other seniors - The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (meals on wheels) or other neighborhood activities

13. Citizens and the Community • USA Freedom Corps was a new program implemented by George W. Bush which brought together all three programs: Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps • Meant to focus on three areas of need: - responding to national emergencies - rebuilding our communities - extending American compassion around the world

14. Citizens and the Community • By banding together, we truly serve ourselves. • The benefits of volunteering: - make our communities better places to live - gain opportunities to learn, make friends, improve skills - gain the satisfaction of knowing that a difference has been made in someone else’s life.