Common Assessment Citizen Participation/Credibility

Citizens engage in civic duties and political activities at the local, state, and national levels. Some types of activities take place at one level but not at another.

Which civic or political activity can citizens carry out at the state level?

• organizing a neighborhood watch patrol

• serving in the active-duty army or air force

• testifying before Congress on a regional issue

• signing a petition to place an issue on the ballot

You want to persuade the government to establish stronger national pollution standards for reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

Which is the correct government body to contact to express your opinion and to bring about the outcome you favor?

• your town's city council

• Ohio General Assembly

• US Supreme Court

• US Congress

Which right allows US citizens to directly participate in the electoral process?

• the right to vote

• the right to a trial by jury

• the right to religious freedom

• the right to legal representation

What is a responsibility of exercising the right to vote?

• serving on a jury

• paying attorney feed

• obtaining a college degree

• being informed on public issues

A city government is holding a vote to decide whether to construct a new airport on city land. An undecided voter has gathered several sources of information about the proposed airport to help her decide how to vote.

Which source of information about the issue is both credible and relevant?

• a guide to identifying aircraft released by the Federal Aviation Administration

• a website where residents of the city post their opinions about the possible construction of the airport

• a brochure published by the airport's developers promoting the economic benefits of building the airport

• a report on the environmental impact of the airport authored by a group of scientists and urban planners

Citizens must choose between a plan to build a new city auditorium or a plan to restore the old one. Supporters of the new auditorium claim that building a new auditorium would be more economical than restoring the old one.

In evaluating the credibility of this claim, citizens should pay particular attention to

• the number of performances held in the auditorium each year.

• the amount of money the supporters spend on promoting their position.

• the popularity of the supporters as community leaders.

• the projected cost data provided by architects and accountants.

How can a citizen become involved in addressing problems that affect the entire state?

• by joining a community watch group

• by volunteering for the fire department

• by signing petitions to place issues on the ballot

• by attending a meeting of the local school board

In the US, rights carry responsibilities.

Which is a civic responsibility of citizens?

• serving on a jury

• attending college

• donating money to a charity

• being active in a political party

Which right of US citizens does serving on a jury safeguard?

• right to an education

• right to an impartial jury

• right to be the mayor of a city

• right to read the newspaper

The Ohio Supreme Court hears arguments over challenges to the law.

Which branch and level of government are being discussed?

• Executive, state

• Judicial, federal

• Legislative, state

• Judicial, state