US Citizenship

Citizenship as the 4th Branch of

Government

●

Citizens elect other Citizens as Politicians

●

Politicians make laws, enforce laws, and appoint judges

●

Judges interpret laws

●

Citizens elect or reelect other Citizens as Politicians

“The Office of the Citizen”

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Citizens as
Officeholders

1.

Primary duty is to engage in
political process

a.Stay Informed

b.

Vote

c. Contribute

d.

Civic Discussion

“The Office of the Citizen”

Moral and Ethical Responsibilities

1.

Engaging in the democratic process is a
moral and ethical duty

a.Must deliberate on important political
matters

b.

Make choices that align with moral
principles

c.Take your role in shaping your
community seriously

“The Office of the Citizen”

●Participation and Engagement

1.

Active participation is essential for a
healthy democracy
a. Staying informed of ALL PERSPECTIVES

b.

Voting

c.Engaging in open and constructive
discourse with other citizens

“The Office of the Citizen”

●Democratic Virtues

1.

Putting the virtues of democracy above
political opinions is essential to avoid
“mob mentality” politics.
a. Tolerance - you can accept and listen to
people who you disagree with

b.

Empathy - you can understand
someone else’s perspective, even if you
disagree with their political opinion

c.Commitment to the Common Good -
your commitment is to the American
society - not your own personal gain

“The Office of the Citizen”

●The Common Good

1.

The well-being of the community is
essential
a.The welfare of society takes precedence
over self-interest

i.Individuals or corporations should
be able to create different classes
of citizens

b.

Decisions should be made on including
all citizens that promote justice,
equality, and general freedom

Civic Responsibility - Ethical and Moral influence
within one’s community, society, and broader
political system

Civic Duty - An individual's’ obligations to their
community and the larger American society

Civil Rights - Fundamental individual rights and
liberties afforded to each citizen enshrined and
protected in law.

Names of Group Members:

American Citizenship

Responsibilities
(List at least 3)

Duties

(List at least 3)

Rights

(List more than 3)