2. Warm Up Based on your opinions and thoughts, how should citizens participate in the government process? Why?

3. Citizenship Notebook Citizenship: Active Involvement in Government Referenced by the Georgia Capital Center SS8CG1: The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution. c. describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens d. Explain voting requirements and elections in Georgia

4. What are the rights of Citizens?  Sovereign Power You influence the government by voting for individuals with the same beliefs that you have. Example: In 2002, Georgians were angry with former Governor Roy Barnes because he changed the Georgia flag and raised class sizes. They voted him out of office. Example: In 1992, Georgians approved a referendum that created the lottery for education..

5. Other rights of a citizen Free speech You can say what you want as long as you don’t offend the rights of others. (Right to bear arms (guns) Now you have to have a permit. Freedom of religion You can practice any religion you want as long as you don’t infringe on the rights of others. Right to a speedy and fair trial You can’t spend years in jail without having a trial.

6. What responsibilities do citizens of the U.S. have? VOTE!! It’s the most important responsibility a citizen has. You give elected officials your consent (permission) to run the government. Choose wisely!

7. Other ways Citizens Contribute Volunteer (in the community: schools, church, hospitals, etc.) Serve in the community (serve on juries, boards, zoning commissions) Have a job Pay taxes Defend our country (serve in the military) Uphold the laws

8. Educated Voters Should Read, watch, listen to current information Listen to candidates and elected officials. Discuss topics with other voters to learn of other viewpoints Vote!!

9. What are the voting requirements? Must be 18 years old Did you know... Georgia was the first state to allow 18 year olds to vote in state elections!! Must be a citizen of the U.S. Must be a citizen of the state and county in which you are registered to vote.

10. Election Guidelines Cobb County/Georgia General Information - You must register or change your address at least 30 days before an election in Georgia. - There are special requirements if you register for the first time in Georgia by mail. - Once you are registered to vote, you will receive a Voter Precinct Card which lists your voting location and representative districts. Qualifications to Register –You must be a citizen of the United States –You must be a resident of Cobb County –You must be at least 17 1/2 years old (but you can't vote until you turn 18.)

11. I’m Too Young to Vote! This doesn’t concern me now! I’ll worry about it later. Wrong!

12. There are many ways you can be involved now! Children under 16 can go with their parents to vote. 16 and 17 year olds can volunteer to work at the polls on election day. You can volunteer to work on a campaign. Write letters to your elected officials and tell them your concerns.

13. Voters Are Not… Finished with their responsibilities after the election. Voters must be sure officials are doing the jobs they were elected to do. Check up on officials

14. When are the national and local elections held? The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. As needed for special occasions (Example: a position becomes vacant) Did you know that the way the elections are designed, there will always be senators and congressmen in office that have some experience? (They are elected every two years to 6 year terms.)

15. What are the two major political parties? Democrats (Liberal) The donkey was first used in campaigns when Andrew Jackson ran for president in 1828. His opponents tried to label him a donkey for his populist views and his slogan, "Let the people rule." Republicans (Conservative) The elephant was first used in the 1874 elections. Independents Although they are not one of the major parties, they usually run for office in order to bring an issue to the attention of the citizens. Instead of winning an election, they usually split the vote and a run-off election is needed between the two major parties.

16. Today Democratic Party (sometimes referred to as “Liberals”) Supports graduated income tax (wealthier pay more) Health care reform Abortion rights More stem cell research Republican Party (sometimes referred to as “Conservatives”) Supports conservative causes Lower taxes Keep government small Streamlining bureaucracy Returning power to states National Strength

17. Who was running for Governor? Jason Carter Democrat Nathan Deal Republican The governor’s formal powers include being able to appoint state officials to their posts. They are elected to office every four years.

18. Who’s running for Lt. Governor? Connie Stokes Democrat Casey Cagle Republican The Lt. Governor’s main role is in the Legislative Branch. Cannot vote on issues, just mediate or run the meetings. They are elected to office every four years.

19. Elected Officials Are Accountable To Voters Elected officials work for the citizens. Officials must respond to the people who elected them. Once elected, they are expected to work on the issues discussed during the campaign. If officials do not respond to the voters or are not successful resolving issues, voters can elect NEW candidates at the next election.

20. Be A Good Citizen Become actively involved in your government. Vote Stay informed Make sure the “government of the people” includes You!!

21. Our democracy is a government "by the people." What does this mean? A.) citizens vote on every issue and law B.) citizens vote for representatives who run the government

22. Children your age can ________________ and _________________, to become involved in government. A.) vote B.) go with an adult to vote C.) volunteer in a campaign canidate D.) sleep in government class

23. How old must you be to vote? A.) 18 B.) 21 C.) 16

24. Which state was the first to lower the voting age on state elections? A.) Utah B.) New York C.) Texas D.) Georgia

25. What is the first step to becoming active in politics? A.) vote B.) complain C.) become educated

26. What 2 things can people do to demonstrate good citizenship? A.) break laws B.) join the military C.) drop out of school D.) get a job

27. When are elections held in the state of Georgia? A.) first Tuesday after 1 st day in July B.) last Tuesday in January C.) first Tuesday after 1 st day in November D.) last Tuesday in March

28. Closing Questions (Can you answer these questions??) 1.Our democracy is a government “by the people.” What does this mean? 2.Name 2 things that people can do to demonstrate good citizenship. 3.What is the first step to becoming active in politics? 4.How old must you be to vote, and which state was the first to pass this law? 5. What two things can children your age do to become involved? 6. For whom do elected officials work?