Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities 1.2

Rights of Citizens The right to vote and hold public office The right to say what you think in speech and writing The right to have a fair trial Rights of Citizens The right to practice your own religion

Rights of Citizens The right to vote and hold public office The right say what you think in speech or in writing The right to practice your own religion The right to have a fair trial These rights are guaranteed to us by our Constitution Every citizen has these rights, not just you

Serving on a jury or as a witness Obeying the laws Attending school Defending the Nation Duties of Citizens Serving on a jury or as a witness Paying taxes

Duties of Citizens Obeying the laws (WHY?) Protect people Protect property Protect rights List one example from school for each of these categories List one example from Florida for each of these categories List one example from the U.S. for each of these categories

EQUALLY Duties of Citizens Rule of law All citizens are subject to the law EQUALLY Laws are public Why is this important?

Duties of Citizens Defending the Nation When you are 18 you may join one of the branches of military service Boys must register with the selective service in case we ever have to have a draft There are other ways to protect our democracy Fight for people’s rights Be of service to people (see page 14) Be a role model of citizenship Educate people on citizenship

Duties of Citizens Serving on a jury Everyone has the right to a fair trial Guilt must beyond a reasonable doubt Decision is decided by a jury of peers (ordinary citizens)

Duties of Citizens Serving as a Witness Used in both criminal and civil court Have information that may help the jury decide the case Both juries and witnesses are vital to the rights of all citizens

Duties of Citizens Paying taxes Attending school We may not like them or how much they are, but we have to pay them They are part of the cost of democracy Attending school Preparing to do your duties as a citizen Knowledge, skills, and experiences carry out your office as citizen If the president should be qualified for his office shouldn’t you?

Responsibilities of Citizens Working toward the common good Serving the community VOTING Responsibilities of Citizens Holding government office Influencing government Participating in Elections*

Responsibilities of Citizens Working toward the common good Protect the rights of all citizens How can 7th graders do this? Voting It is more than just the presidency, and other offices, but other laws and community issues Vote wisely Separate fact from opinion

Responsibilities of Citizens Holding Government Office Some people take on this added responsibility From the President all the way down to local school boards Some are elected and some are appointed like judges and the president’s advisors Participating in Elections For a candidate For a party For the election itself The Church does not endorse any candidate or party

Responsibilities of Citizens Influencing Government Let our leaders know how you feel You don’t have to be eighteen Right T.K. Serving your community Help those who need it Listen with respect to those who disagree with you Do what needs to be done in our community “A Day On” for MLK Day