CE. 3C-E, CE. 4A-G

Duties, Responsibilities, and Community Service

Questions

What civic duties are expected of all citizens?

What are the ways individuals demonstrate responsible citizenship?

In what ways do citizens participate in community service?

Civic Duties

For government to be effective, citizens must fulfill their civic duties.

Citizens who choose not to fulfill these civic duties face legal consequences.

Civic Duties

Duties of citizensObey lawsPay taxesServe in the armed forces, if calledServe on a jury or as a witness in court, when

summoned

Responsibilities of Citizens

A basic responsibility of citizenship is to contribute to the common good.

Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice; they are voluntary.

Responsibilities of Citizens

Responsibilities of citizensRegister and voteHold elective officeCommunicate with government officials to

influence government actionsServe in voluntary, appointed government

positionsParticipate in political campaignsKeep informed regarding current issuesRespect others’ right to an equal voice in

government

Addressing Community Needs

A democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens.

Ways for citizens to participate in community service Volunteer to support democratic institutions (e.g., League of

Women Voters). http://lwv.org/

Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole (e.g., as related to environment, public health and safety, education).

Help to make the community a good place to work and live (e.g., by becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring, volunteering in nursing homes). http://www.thewoodlandinc.com/

Vocabulary

1. duties2. civics3. legal4. consequences5. effective6. summoned7. witness

Vocabulary

1. responsibilities2. voluntary3. contribute4. register5. elective6. campaigns7. appointed8. communicate9. government10. officials

Vocabulary

1. society2. institutions3. participation4. welfare5. community6. service7. volunteering

Review

Describe the duties of citizenship.

Examine the responsibilities of citizenship.

Evaluate how civic and social duties address community needs and serve the public good.

Personal Character Traits

Thoughtful and effective participation in civic life depends upon the exercise of good citizenship.

Effective participation in civic life can includeformulating questionsanalyzing information from a variety of sourcesexpressing a positiondevising and implementing a planpracticing thoughtful decision making in personal,

financial, and civic matters (e.g., voting, civic issues).

Personal Character Traits

Personal traits of good citizensTrustworthiness and honestyCourtesy and respect for the rights of othersResponsibility, accountability, and self-

relianceRespect for the lawPatriotismParticipation in the school and/or local

communityParticipation in elections as an informed

voter