Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

1.2

Rights of Citizens

The right to vote and hold public

office

The right to say what you think in

speech and writing

The right to practice your own religion

The right to have a fair

trial

Rights of Citizens• The right to vote and hold public office• The right say what you think in speech or in writing• The right to practice your own religion• The right to have a fair trial

• These rights are guaranteed to us by our Constitution

• Every citizen has these rights, not just you

Duties of

Citizens

Obeying the laws

Defending the Nation

Serving on a jury or as a

witness

Paying taxes

Attending school

Duties of Citizens• Obeying the laws (WHY?)–Protect people–Protect property–Protect rights• List one example from school for each of

these categories• List one example from Florida for each of

these categories• List one example from the U.S. for each of

these categories

Duties of Citizens• Rule of law–All citizens are subject to the law

EQUALLY– Laws are public

Why is this important?

Duties of Citizens• Defending the Nation– When you are 18 you may join one of the branches of

military service– Boys must register with the selective service in case we

ever have to have a draft

– There are other ways to protect our democracy• Fight for people’s rights• Be of service to people (see page 14)• Be a role model of citizenship• Educate people on citizenship

Duties of Citizens• Serving on a jury– Everyone has the right to a fair trial–Guilt must beyond a reasonable doubt–Decision is decided by a

jury of peers (ordinary citizens)

Duties of Citizens• Serving as a Witness–Used in both criminal and civil court–Have information that may help the jury decide

the case

–Both juries and witnesses are vital to the rights of all citizens

Duties of Citizens• Paying taxes– We may not like them or how much they are, but we

have to pay them– They are part of the cost of democracy

• Attending school– Preparing to do your duties as a citizen– Knowledge, skills, and experiences carry out your office

as citizen

– If the president should be qualified for his office shouldn’t you?

Responsibilities of Citizens

Working toward the common good

VOTING

Holding government

office

Participating in Elections*

Influencing government

Serving the community

Responsibilities of Citizens• Working toward the common good– Protect the rights of all citizens

How can 7th graders do this?

• Voting– It is more than just the presidency, and other offices,

but other laws and community issues– Vote wisely– Separate fact from opinion

• Holding Government Office– Some people take on this added responsibility– From the President all the way down to local school

boards– Some are elected and some are appointed like judges

and the president’s advisors

• Participating in Elections– For a candidate – For a party– For the election itself

The Church does not endorse any

candidate or party

Responsibilities of Citizens

• Influencing Government– Let our leaders know how you feel– You don’t have to be eighteen

Right T.K.

• Serving your community– Help those who need it– Listen with respect to those who disagree with you– Do what needs to be done in our community

“A Day On” for MLK Day

Responsibilities of Citizens