CIVIC RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
VOTING: A RIGHT AND
RESPONSIBILITY
The right to vote gives citizens a chance to participate in government. All
citizens 18 and older, may help decide who will serve in elected positions of
government.
• State and US Representatives
• State and US Senators
• US President and Vice President
• Governor and Lieutenant Governor
• Judges
• Members of State Boards
• Mayor and City Council Members
• County Judges and County Commissioners
KEY ISSUES
Voters also make Direct decisions about key issues that affect their lives.
• Raising taxes and how those taxes will be used
• Local laws
• Amendments to the Constitution
WHY CITIZENS SHOULD VOTE
Voting is a right and a responsibility
Participate in governing by electing people who represent you in the
government.
When a person does not vote:
• They do not help improve their government or surroundings.
• Give up a chance to decide who will lead the government and how issues
on the ballot will be resolved.
FIGHTING TO VOTE
For many years, registering to vote was impossible for some Texans.
• 1870 African American won the right to vote with the 15th Amendment.
• 1902 Required people to pay a poll tax before they could register. This tax
was usually between $1.50 and $1.75 per year. A century ago, Hispanics
and African American were among the poorest people in the State and
couldn’t afford this.
FIGHTING TO VOTE
• 1920 Women won the right to vote with the 19 th Amendment. Women had
been fight for the right to vote since 1840.
• 1964 US Constitution Amendment ended the poll tax in federal elections.
• 1966 Texas Constitution was amended to outlaw the poll tax.
GET INFORMED
GETTING INFORMED
The news media have made it easy for voters to stay informed.
• Newspapers
• Radio
• TV
• Books
• Magazines
• Internet
It is important that you get correct information. Not everything you see on
the internet or TV are always true.
It is important to read each item on the ballot carefully to understand what
your vote means.
LOBBYING
LOBBYING
Lobbying—contacting lawmakers in order to persuade them to vote in a
certain way.
Citizens have the right to let government leaders know whether they agree or
disagree with certain laws.
To voice your opinions you can write letters, email, and call.
Special Interest Groups are groups that try to influence government
Policy.
These groups represent business, agriculture, labor unions, teachers, minority
groups, women, and low income citizens and other groups of people. Working
together in groups makes it more likely your opinion will be heard.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Paying Taxes provide for:
• Police Protection
• Fire Protection
• Streets and Highways
• Parks
• Libraries
• Schools
• Hospitals
MORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Serving on Juries
The constitution guarantees every person accused of a crime the right to a
trial by a jury.
• Jurors are selected from a list of registered voters who hold a drivers
license or a DOPS ID Card.
• If asked to be on a jury, you must either appear or provide a legally
acceptable excuse. If you do not appear you may be fined.
Volunteer:
Communities always need people to share their knowledge, skills, and talents
with others.
SUMMARIZATION
Form of Participation
Why it Matters
EXIT TICKET
How could you persuade a family member to vote?