Government in Action: Civic Responsibilities

The MAIN reason citizens have rights and responsibilities is to

• allow the government to share power

• keep the power of the country with its citizens

• punish those who not follow the rules.

• to make the country the most powerful in the world.

How is a civic action such as voting different from serving on a jury?

• Voting is more important to democracy than jury duty

• Jury service is considered a civic duty while voting is a responsibility

• All citizens can vote, but only some are qualified for jury duty.

• U.S. democracy cannot function without voters, but can exist without juries.

· voting

· volunteering

· paying taxes

All of these are considered

• civil rights

• civic restrictions

• civil liberties

• civic responsibilities.

Which action is a civic responsibility of U.S. citizens?

• paying taxes

• obeying speed limits

• voting during local elections

• attending school

Which is a civic duty required by U.S. law for 18-year-old male citizens?

• voting in all elections

• registering with Selective Service

• serving as a legislative page

• volunteering for a political campaign

Stacey is very upset about the way the street in front of her school is always full of litter. Which would be the best, most civically responsible way to address the issue?

• write a letter to a Congressman

• organize a weekend group to clean up the stretch of road

• write a letter to the town mayor

• form a debate team to uncover the reasons for the littering

A student can participate in civic life by volunteering in the community. Community volunteering is an example of which type of civic action?

• duty

• responsibility

• obligation

• right

Today, compared to the 1980s, it is much easier for citizens to learn about public policy and check on elected officials. What tool allows citizens to access updated public policy information very quickly and efficiently?

• town meetings

• television commercials

• government websites

• congressional newsletters

Jason thinks he has a great idea for a law. What is the best action for Jason to take to get the law passed?

• talk to his friends about it

• post his opinions on his blog and other social networks

• write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper

• contact his local Congressional representative about his idea

Which of these is the BEST example of a citizen exercising his or her rights?

• Refusing to pay sales taxes.

• Writing an email to your mayor, critical of the mayor's actions.

• Throwing rocks at protesters.

• Speeding in a school zone in order to get home to feed your dog.