Civic Responsibilities and Participation

Civic Responsibilities and Participation

GOVT

Dia del Rio

Since 1005, people from towns along the Rio Grande in both the United States and Mexico have gathered once a year to celebrate the importance of the river.  The annual event is called Dia del Rio – “Day of the River”.  Volunteers gather to clean up the often polluted river.  Among other activities, they plant trees, build trails, and clean up litter.

Dia del Rio

Texans who participate in volunteer activities such as Dia del Rio are fulfilling their civic responsibilities.  Civic responsibilities are duties and behaviors expected for all citizens.  Fulfilling these responsibilities is necessary in keeping our democracy running properly.

Multiple Choice

Texans who participate in volunteer activities such as Dia del Rio are fulfilling their -

• civic responsibilities

• civic participation

• civic violation

• civic discipline

Multiple Choice

Civic responsibilities -

• are duties and behaviors expected for all Anglos

• are duties and behaviors expected for all illegal citizens.

• are duties and behaviors expected for all citizens of Europe.

• are duties and behaviors expected for all citizens.

Obeying the law

One of the most fundamental civic responsibilities in our society is obeying the law. Imagine what might happen if people did not obey the laws. Society would quickly fall apart. In order to obey the laws, people must know what the laws are.  It is the responsibility of individual citizens to educate themselves about federal, state, and local laws.

Multiple Choice

The most fundamental civic responsibilities in our society is -

• picking up trash

• cleaning up

• obeying the law

• voting

Laws

The government can punish a lawbreaker even if he or she is unaware of the law. 

If Texans disagree with a law, they can try to change it by speaking to their local representative or by challenging the law in court.  They can also petition the government to vote for officials who oppose the law.

Open Ended

What can Texans do if they do not like/agree with a law?

 Paying taxes

Paying taxes is another important civic responsibility. The government needs tax money to pay for important public services. 

Without taxes, the government could not provide schools, roads, and police and fire protection.  

Open Ended

Paying taxes helps the government pay for what?

Serve on juries

Citizens are also expected to serve on juries when called to do so. For the right to trial by jury in the Texas Bill of Rights to have any meaning citizens must serve when called Civic participation is vital for the running of any republic.  

Multiple Choice

Serving on a jury is also called -

• fancy jury

• jury duty

Voting

Voting is the most basic way for Texans to participate in their government. Our government is based on the consent of the governed. Therefore, we must let our leaders know when we approve or disapprove of their actions. Texans do this by casting their votes for or against particular candidates and issues.

Voting and staying informed

Because votes affect government policy, citizens have a duty to stay informed. To cast wisely, a citizen must be well informed about candidates, current events, and key issues. Staying informed involves taking an interest in government programs and activities.

Being informed is just the start of participating in the government. Democracy also needs people who are willing to join political parties and help shape their positions on issues. It also needs people who are willing to serve as elected government officials. 

Multiple Select

In order to adequately vote, citizens must -

• stay informed

• stay inside

• stay away

• stay educate