Ch. 5
The Duties and
Responsibilities of Citizenship
Duties and Responsiblities
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
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.
Duties
Obey the Law
1.
-
2.
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.
Duties
3.
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.
4.
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.
Duties
5.
Attend School
- Most states require young people to
attend school until the age of 16.
Civic Responsibilities
1.
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
Civic Responsibilities
2.
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
Civic Responsibilities
3.
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.
Civic Responsibilities
4.
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.
Civic Responsibilities
5.
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
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.
Citizens and the Community

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.
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
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.
Citizens and the Community

Many companies believe in giving back to
the community.

Ex. sponsoring a recreational sports team,
donating prizes for community fundraisers, contributing to college
scholarships to students

Ex. Bentonville, Arkansas – Wal-Mart
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.
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.
Citizens and the Community

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.
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.
Citizens and the Community

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
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
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.