1. Politics & the Individual

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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