1. Rights, Duties and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens

2. Rights of U.S. Citizens
Guaranteed to Americans by our Constitution, and by local and state ordinance.

3. Rights of U.S. Citizens Protections provided by Constitution:
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Assembly
To Keep and Bear Arms
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of the Press
Protection for those Accused of Crimes

4. Can Your Rights Be Taken Away?
Yes No
Maybe

5. Rights of U.S. Citizens Additional Rights:
Access to Public Property and Records
Access to Education
Public Safety Promises
Travel, Make Decisions and Join Organizations
Many Other Rights Mandated by the Government

6. Legal Duties
These are actions a citizen MUST do to stay within the law.

7. Will you go to jail if you don’t fulfill your duties?
Yes No
Maybe

8. An American citizen MUST…
Obey laws passed by Congress (federal laws)
And laws passed by state and local legislatures.

9. An American citizen MUST…
Serve as a witness if asked by the Court to do so.
A witness must respond to a court-order to appear before the court, called a subpoena.
“I swear to tell the truth, the whole, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”

10. An American citizen MUST…
Boys must register for the draft at 18
Serve in the military if called

11. An American citizen MUST…
Serve on a jury.
Employers must allow citizens to serve with no problems if asked.
Citizens can be excused if they can show that serving would cause hardship.

12. Will you go to jail if you don’t fulfill your duties?
Yes No
Maybe

13. Civic Responsibilities
These are actions a citizen should do on a voluntary basis to be a good citizen.

14. An American citizen SHOULD…
Vote in federal, state, and local elections.
The voting age in the United States is 18 according to the 26th Amendment (1971)
51% is a majority and wins the vote.

15. An American citizen SHOULD…
Run for political office
Only if he or she feels a contribution can be made.
The candidate must file with the party of their choice.
It takes large amounts of money to run even a local campaign.

16. An American citizen SHOULD…
Express opinions to elected officials
Citizens can write Congressional offices
Making a phone call is also OK
is possible too.

17. An American citizen SHOULD…
Participate in civic groups such as the Lions Club, Elks, Kiwanis, American Legion, or one of the MANY others.

18. An American citizen SHOULD…
Be familiar with the Court System.
Know their rights, duties and responsibilities as citizens.

19. Why SHOULD you live up to your Responsibilities as a Citizen?
If I don’t, who will?
It makes our “community” a better place.
It is important that we all make good decisions.
All of the above.