Citizens and the Community

Responsibility

• An obligation that we fulfill voluntarily– Things we should do

Duties

• Things we are required to do

Civic Duties of American Citizens

• Obey Laws• Pay Taxes• Defend the Nation• Serve in Court• Attend School

Use of taxes

• Road construction and maintenance• Pay police and firefighters• Maintain the armed forces

Draft

• Call up people for military service

Civic Responsibilities of American Citizens

• Be informed and vote• Participate in your community and

government• Respect the rights and property of others• Respect different opinions and ways of life

Voters

• Citizens who exercise their right to vote• “the ultimate rulers of our democracy”

Vandalism

• Illegal and deliberate damage to property

Tolerance

• Respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences

Community

• a group of people who share the same interests and concerns

Bureacracy

• a complex system with many departments, many rules, and many people in the chain of command

Welfare

• the health, prosperity and happiness of the members of a community.

John F. Kennedy

• “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”

Volunteerism

• The practice of offering your time and services to others without payment

Donation

• Presenting something as a contribution

Charitable Organizations

• provide generous actions or donations to those who are in need of assistance

School Based Service Programs

• Arranged community service for students

National Service Programs

• Government created programs that encourage volunteerism

Peace Corps

• National service program that helps people in the poorest locations of the world

American Red Cross

• National service program that helps victims of floods, fires, earthquakes and other disasters

Senior Corps

• National service program that provides volunteer opportunities to Americans aged 55 and older

Rights of American Citizens

• Right to security - protection by the government

• Right to equality - equal treatment under the law

• Right to liberty - rights guaranteed under the constitution