Section Outline

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

I. Rights of Citizens

II. Duties of Citizens

III. Responsibilities of Citizens

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Main Idea

Citizenship is not just a connection to your

country of origin or naturalization. All citizens

must uphold the rights, duties, and

responsibilities of citizenship.

Key Terms

•Rule of law

•Jury of peers

•Witness

•Common good

•Candidate

Rights of Citizens

•Holding the “Office of Citizen”—Entitles a citizen to all the rights afforded to Americans by the Constitution of the

United States of America—Our rights are protected by the courts.

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

•American Rights–Based on fundamental beliefs and values that Americans share: equal respect,

freedom, equality, and justice.

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Rights of Citizens (continued)

•The rights of citizens are guaranteed by the constitution.— To vote and to hold elected office— To say what you think in speech or in writing— To practice your own religion— To have a fair trial— To be protected while in other countries

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Duties of Citizens

•Some Duties of a Citizen1. Obeying the laws

2. Defending the nation

3. Serving on a jury or as a witness in court

4. Paying taxes

5. Attending school

•The Rule of Law—The concept of laws, rather than men and women—In a democracy, no individual is above the law.

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Duties of Citizens (continued)

•Jury of Peers—A group of ordinary citizens who hear the case and decide whether the accused

person is innocent or guilty

•Witness—A person who has seen events related to a crime or who has special information

that may help determine the guilt or innocence of the person on trial.

The Meaning of Citizenship: Section 2Citizenship and You

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Citizens

•American Citizens—Responsibilities are fulfilled by choice.

•Working Toward the Common Good—The well-being of all members of society

•Voting—The right to vote is one of the most basic and important American rights.

•Holding Government Office—These citizens may be elected or appointed.

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The Meaning of CitizenshipSection 2: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Citizens (continued)

•Election Campaigns—Candidate: person running for office

•Influencing Government—Good citizens express their thoughts to their representatives and government

officials.

•Serving the Community—Each citizen should act to serve his or her community when possible.

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