Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities:

Chapter 4, Section 3Citizen participation is essential to the foundation

and preservation of the US political system. Citizens of the US have certain duties and responsibilities

that help maintain our form of government.

Rights of American Citizens

● Main idea: Americans have certain rights that are protected in the Constitution.○ Basic/religious freedoms (“Life, Liberty, pursuit of

Happiness”)○ Due process (unfair actions - government must follow

certain procedures that have been established by law and are guaranteed in the Constitution, 5th Amendment)

○ Equal Protection (regardless of race/religion/politics, as guaranteed by 14th Amendment)

Basic Freedoms = Civil Liberties● 1st Amendment (1791)

○ Basic freedoms = freedom of speech, religion, of the press, assembly, right to petition■ Power in the hands of people, so citizens can exchange

ideas freely● Separation of Church and State● Allowed to criticize government without fear of punishment

■ 9th Amendment: rights not limited to those written in Constitution

■ 26th Amendment: extends right to vote to 18 ● Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the people to protect these rights by

voting our elected officials who BEST represent our needs

Limits on Rights● Rights NOT unlimited

○ Gov. can establish laws/rules to restrict certain standards to protect health, safety, security, moral standards

○ Rights may be limited to prevent one person from interfering another’s rights■ Limitations must be equal

and reasonable

1. What is due process of law?2. What parts of the Constitution provide the rights that

Americans enjoy as individuals?3. Why must limits on rights apply to everyone?

Citizen Participation● Main idea: American citizens are expected to

carry out certain duties and responsibilities.○ “Civic duties” = certain responsibilities we must do

■ Duties vs. responsibilities○ Citizen = person who owes loyalty to and is entitled to

protection of a state or nation■ Anyone born in US■ Anyone born out of US w/ a parent born in US (dual citizenship)■ Anyone who goes through the process of naturalization

● 18+, lawfully admitted, permanent residence, accept Constitution, understand history, give up foreign allegiance

Duties● Obey the laws

○ Maintain order / protect health, safety, property / make it possible to live peacefully

● Pay Taxes○ $ used to defend nation / Provide healthcare to

those over 65 / Build roads & bridges etc.● Defend the nation

○ Males 18+ must register with government in case needed to serve (NOT draft)

● Jury duty○ Constitution gives us right to trial by jury / Must

be prepared to serve after 18

Responsibilities● VOLUNTARY

○ Know what the government is doing and voice your opinion

○ Be informed about your rights○ Respecting others and accepting

responsibility○ Volunteer

Ways to Participate● Voting: allows you to participate in government and exercise your

democratic rights● Help out on a political campaign● Volunteer in the public sphere (hospitals, libraries etc)● Volunteer in a Special Interest group and represent a cause● Join a political party and help choose candidates

Respecting the Rights of Others

● Respect…even if you disagree!○ Accept others…despite differences in race,

religion, beliefs etc.● ALL Americans entitled to same respect/treatment

and rights

1. What would happen if not enough people met their responsibility to serve on juries?

2. What is naturalization?3. Are the rights of American citizens unlimited? Explain.4. Why are personal responsibilities important?5. How does citizen participation help to preserve the American

political system?