Unit 1 Civics, Citizenship and Government

Why study Civics? I.What is Civics? a.“Civics” is the study of what it means to be a citizen. b.Civics is the study of our rights and duties as citizens. c.A citizen is a legally recognized member of a community.

Why Study Civics? d. Today, citizens have rights and responsibilities that differ from country to country RECALL: What are some rights and responsibilities you have at home, CMS, America?

II. Rights vs. Duties a.The rights and duties of a citizen depend on their country’s government EX: Israel requires all citizens (men and women to join the military

III. What is government? a. A government is the organizations, institutions, and individuals who exercise political authority over a group of people

b. Government is the ruling authority in a community c. It has the power to make laws, enforce laws, and make decisions for the community d. Authority = the power to direct the actions of people

a.Citizens should be productive and active members of society b.Good citizens should be loyal to their government c.IN RETURN: Citizens are entitled to protections by and from the government - This is called “Social Contract” -Social Contract = The government exists to protect the rights of the people and in return the people respect the decisions made by the government IV. Expectations of a Citizen

What is the Common Good? d. The Common Good The benefit or interest of all How do citizens affect the common good? - Their actions - Fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations to society

V. America = Federal System a.Americans are citizens of their local communities as well as the state and country b.This is called a federal system of government -Federal System of Government = Power is shared between the states and the national government -The opposite of this system would be a confederal system = NO CENTRAL POWER

c. How does the government work at each level? 1. Local – closest to the people 2. State – 50 in the U.S. 3. Federal – highest level

VI. Local Government a. Tallahassee/Leon County b. Closest to the people c. Provides most services that you use/need

VII. State Government a. Florida b. Provides State Laws as well as state services

VIII. Federal Government a. The United States of America b. Highest Level c. Orders given at this level must be followed by both state and local levels d. Provides services to the country at large

IX. American Values (3 to remember) a. Equality = each citizen has the right to enjoy the same freedoms guaranteed to all ex: The right to seek employment, receive an education, etc. b. Liberty = grants the citizens freedom to make choices in their daily lives ex: The right to choose religion, where we live, who we marry, etc.

c. Justice = the government makes sure all is fair and right – it provides protection (police) so our rights won’t be violated. If someone infringes on your rights, the courts can punish them. -doing the “right thing” means you are fulfilling your “civic duty”

IX. Qualities of a Good Citizen a.Voting in Elections 1.MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIY! 2.2. Choose representatives who are best qualified! b. Expressing Your Opinion 1. Let your voice be heard! 2. Get involved in Government! Abraham Lincoln once said that We cannot have “a government of the people, by the people, for the people” unless people participate.

c. Top Ten Characteristics of being a GOOD citizen 1. Responsible family member 2. Respect and obey the law 3. Respect the rights and property of others 4. Are loyal to and proud of their country 5. Take part in and improve the community 6. Take an active part in their government 7. Use natural resources wisely 8. Are informed on key issues 9. Believe in equal opportunities 10. Respect individual differences, points of views and ways of life that are different from their own.