Politics & the Individual

What is Citizenship? The status of a person recognized under the law as being a member of a state As a citizen of the U.S., you have certain rights and responsibilities

Personal and Civic Responsibilities Involve behaviors that impact self and family: Taking care of oneself Supporting yourself and family Accepting responsibility for your actions Respecting the rights and interest of others Responsibilities of citizens in a political community Require an individual to be actively engaged in the political process

Responsibilities of Citizenship Obey the law Pay taxes Respect the property & rights of others Study about public issues Monitor political leaders Decide whether and how to vote Serve as a juror Serve in the armed forced

Obligations of Citizenship Personal desires/interests are subordinate to the public good Paying taxes – even if they are spent on programs you don’t support Serve in the armed forces when there is a draft Eminent domain requires the sale of private property for public good

Participating in Politics How can individuals participate in the political process? Voting Registering with a political party Lobbying Protesting Grassroots politics (participating in local politics) Working on a campaign Joining an interest group Contributing financially to a party Contacting politicians Attending rallies Researching issues/candidates

Civic Participation: VOTING Your vote is your voice as an American citizen It is your opportunity to be heard Allows you to hold elected officials accountable Allows you the opportunity to have a say in issues that affect your community

Extending Suffrage Sit down if… You are not fluent in English 1965 – Voter Rights Act made it possible for Spanish speaking citizens to vote If you don’t have $2 1964 – 24th Amendment abolished poll tax If you have not lived in the same place for over a year 1970 Voting Rights Act abolished any residency requirements of more than thirty days. All non-protestants In the early years of the country, being protestant was a requirement to vote

Extending Suffrage If you cannot write English well enough to pass a literacy test 1970 – Voters Right Act abolished literacy test If you are not white 1870 – The 15th Amendment gave black men the right to vote If you are not a man 1920 – The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote If you do not own property By 1821, most states had abolished property or tax requirements If you are not over the age of 21 26th Amendment gave citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote

History of Voting Rights 1789: Only white male property owners could vote Has extending to include almost all citizens

Voting Requirements Each state sets its own requirements Must abide by the Voting Rights Act and constitutional amendments

Voting in Texas Requirements Criteria Have to be a U.S. citizen Resident of the county At least 18 years of age Is not a convicted felon Has not been judged mentally incompetent Providing proof of ID Vote in assigned precinct

Public Opinion Collection of views shared by a segment of society Ex: beliefs about foreign policy or health care Is complex because people do not always agree It is important because… It helps leaders shape policy Government makes choices in response to particular concerns

What Influences Public Opinion? Family, school, work, race, age, gender, and religion all influence a person’s view about politics Public opinion can also be influenced by the media -HOW- Report on news Debates are broadcasted Advertise the view of candidates/criticize candidates Investigate corruption