DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN CITIZENS (1.3)

STANDARDS/OBJECTIVES

DUTIES OF CITIZENS Duties are actions that we are required to perform. National, state, and local governments require American citizens to perform certain duties. Those duties are set by law.

OBEY LAWS Our most important duty as citizens is to obey the law. Laws keep order in society by letting people know which actions are acceptable and which are not. If we don’t know follow these laws, we cannot protect our health, safety, and property.

Taxes provide most of the money government needs to keep running. PAY TAXES Taxes provide most of the money government needs to keep running. Without taxes, the federal government could not pay its employees, defend the country, or help those in need. People try to avoid paying taxes face stiff fines and other penalties.

Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury. DEFEND THE NATION The law requires all male citizens age 18 to 25 to register with the Selective Service System (SSS). Registering with the SSS does not mean that a person will necessarily be drafted. SERVE IN COURT Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury. Citizens have the duty to serve as witness at a trail if they are called to do so .

School actually is beneficial!!! It prepares you for your work life. ATTEND SCHOOL The government provides free public elementary and secondary education. States have laws that require children attend school between the ages of 7 and 16. School actually is beneficial!!! It prepares you for your work life.

Responsibilities are things we should do. Citizens have responsibility to know what the government is doing. We are also responsible for making sure that the government is working properly. Voting is one of American citizens’ most important responsibilities.

Treating others politely and respectfully is also part of being a good citizen. Respecting and accepting others, regardless of differences, is called tolerance. Responsible citizens show concern for others as well as for themselves. The members of a community must contribute to the common good, or things that benefit all members of the community.

BEING INVOLVED Good citizens care about the welfare- the health, prosperity, and happiness- of all members of their community. Giving your time to work in the community is the heart of volunteerism- the practice of offering your time and services to others without receiving payment. More than 63 million people do volunteer work.