Rights, Responsibilities and Participation

Aim: Identify key rights and responsibilities which US citizens have. Examine the different ways that US citizens can participate in politics. Success Criteria: You can complete a table showing key rights and responsibilities. Describe four ways that US citizens can participate in politics.

Democracy The USA is a democratic country – all citizens have rights and responsibilities. A right is a freedom that is protected. A responsibility is a duty or something that someone should do. The first ten amendments to the US constitution is known as the Bill of Rights.

Responsibilities of US Citizens Rights of US Citizens Responsibilities of US Citizens The rights to vote in elections e.g. for their President. The right to freedom of speech e.g. speak out about an issue you feel strongly about. Right to bear arms e.g. to use a gun in self-defence. Right to a fair trial if you are accused of a crime. Right of assembly e.g. to protest peacefully about an issue

Recent Criticisms Members of the National Rifle Association (NRA) are concerned about President Obama’s proposals for tougher gun control. Obama was also criticised for his healthcare reforms – the government was interfering too much in peoples’ lives. Some groups oppose the use of the death penalty, the sentencing of juvenile offenders to life without the possibility of parole and long sentences for low level drug offences – these are issues which are the responsibility of the state.

Task: In any democratic country there are many ways that people can participate in politics. With a partner try to come up with SIX examples of political participation.

How Can Americans Participate In Politics? Join a political party Take part in a protest or demonstration How Can Americans Participate In Politics? Voting for a Candidate Join An Interest Group Campaign for a political party Stand as a candidate

Voting in the USA In order to vote in US elections you must: Be a US citizen Be a resident of the state you are planning to register in. Be 18 years of age Be registered to vote – each state has a slightly different registration procedure. It usually involves filling in some kind of form.

Voting At Elections Americans have many opportunities to vote for a candidate in elections: Federal Level - President, Senators, Congressmen/women State Level - State Assembly, Governor Local Level - Mayor, Sheriff, Dog Catcher A single voter may be able to vote for up to thirty officials and representatives at one election!!

Interest Groups US citizens can also belong to interest groups. Interest groups try to persuade politicians to change the law by showing they have great public support for their cause Examples of US Interest Groups: National Rifle Association American Medical Association American Bar Association In the UK we use the name PRESSURE GROUPS.

Methods Used By Interest Groups Write to Congressman/woman or Senators. Lobby your Congressman/women or Senator (this means get them to support your cause). Write to newspapers Contribute to a website/Facebook page/Twitter Take part in a protest or demonstration Sign a petition Pay for TV adverts

Task: Read pages 15-17 of your World Powers textbook. 1. Make a list of the main ways that US citizens can participate in politics? 2. What is an interest group and what methods do they use to get people to support their cause? 3. Give examples of the representatives that US citizens can vote for at a) Federal level b) State level c) Local level.

Participation in Elections – Voter Turnout Aims: Identify the reasons why ethnic minorities are less likely to participate in elections. Examine the evidence that ethnic minority participation is starting to increase. Success Criteria: You can devise a revision technique to help you remember key reasons for lower participation.

Voter Turnout In the UK, people are included on the electoral register as soon as they are 18 years old. However in the USA, voters have to register before they can vote – they are not automatically included. Even when people are registered to vote, ethnic minority groups are less likely to be involved in politics – as voters, campaigners or as candidates.

Task: Study the reasons for lower levels of participation among ethnic minority groups. Devise a MNEUMONIC to help you remember as many of these reasons as possible. Your mneumonic must included at least one social, economic and political reason.

Increasing Minority Participation More ethnic minorities are achieving greater success in education. More role models from minority groups e.g. President Obama. More TV channels broadcasting in minority languages. Voting campaigns to encourage people to vote e.g. Vote or Die Campaign TV campaigns backed by celebrities encouraging minority groups to vote. Easier registration e.g. online registration.