role of citizens

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Role of Citizens

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What Is a Good Citizen?

YOU ARE A CITIZENWhat does it mean to be a citizen? It means you’re a member of a community. You can be a citizen of your country, your state, and even your

Who are these peoplehelping others after a hurricane? They’re good citizens. Good citizens show that they care about others in their community. They help each other in times of need. They treat other people the way they would like to be treated.

school or classroom. Citizenship means you have rights in that community. It means you have duties, too.

Citizens have other duties, too. Good citizens know what’s going on in their community because they have a say in what their governments do. They also obey rules and laws, pay their taxes, and vote if they’re over 18 years old.

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We the People

Kids Are Citizens, Too

Ancient Citizens

How Do You Become A Citizen?

YOU ARE A CITIZEN Without the help of good citizens, our nation simply could not work. That’s because the United States has a democratic form of government. The citizens have a voice. They are free to make choices about their lives, their leaders, and how their country is run.

You and other kids have many of the same rights, or freedoms, as adult citizens. For example, you have the right of free speech. You can speak freely about your ideas. You have many of the same

In Greece about 2,500 years ago, only certain citizens had the right to vote. Only free men – not women or slaves – could vote.

If you are born in the U.S., then you’re a U.S. citizen. People born in other places can become U.S. citizens, too. First, they apply for citizenship. They fill out special forms and answer questions. Later, they take a citizenship test.

duties, too. You must obey the law, for a start! You should also help your country and your community. In your classroom, you can be a good citizen, too. Do your work, follow the rules, and help others.


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Not Just Men Are Created Equal

GIVE ME LIBERTYThe United States was born on July 4, 1776. On that day, the founders of the country signed the Declaration of Independence. It said that the United States was now its own country. It also stated that people had certain rights, or freedoms. Among these freedoms are “Life, Liberty and the

The Declaration of Independence says, “all men are created equal.” This means that all people are created equal. Each and every citizen has equal rights and duties.

pursuit of Happiness.” But it wasn’t that easy for the U.S. to become a free nation and get those rights. The British colonists had to fight a war to win them. The painting below shows a scene from that war. What rights would you fight for?


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The Bill of RightsThe U.S. Constitution sets out the basic laws of the United States. Changes to it are called amendments. The first 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights. These amendments protect the basic rights of all U.S. citizens. They also limit the power of the government. The government can’t take away these rights. Below are a few of them.

Freedom of religion: You can belong to any religion or none at all. The government doesn’t make laws or rules about religion. This is often called separation of church and state.

Freedom of speech and of the press: You can say and write things, and express your opinion, without the government telling you to stop. A newspaper, for example, is free to report on what the government is doing, good or bad. Then citizens like you can stay informed.

Freedom of assembly: You can gather with others and even form a crowd to protest something you don’t like. The government can’t stop you unless the crowd isn’t peaceful.

The right to a fair and public trial if you are accused of a crime: A trial is a process in which a court decides whether someone is guilty.

The right to be safe from a police search without a warrant, or order, from a judge: That means police officers can’t just walk into a home to look for evidence. They need a search warrant to do this.


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FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOMS

Anne Hutchinson questioned the religious teachings of her ministers. Because of her beliefs, she was forced to leave her home in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1637. A year later, she and her followers fled to what later became the colony of Rhode Island, where they could worship as they believed.

Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, inventor, writer, publisher, and businessman. He also helped to write the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Even when Franklin was a teen, he spoke out for freedom of thought. To get his writings published and avoid trouble, he used the name Silence Dogood.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery. By law, enslaved people had few freedoms. It was even illegal to teach them to read and write. But Douglass learned these skills anyway. Then, in 1838, he escaped slavery and fled to New York. He joined others in speaking out against slavery.

Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849, but gaining her own freedom wasn’t enough. She became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of people and hiding places that helped enslaved people escape. Tubman risked her life on 19 journeys to lead others to freedom.

“...you do condemn me for speaking what in my conscience I know to be truth...”*

* From American Criminal Trials by Pelec W. Chandler, Timothy H. Carter and Co., 1844.

“Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as public Liberty, without Freedom of Speech.”*

* From The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 1, January 6, 1706, through December 31, 1734, ed. Leonard W. Labaree. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1959, pp. 27–30.

“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.”*

* From Speech at the Civil Rights Mass-Meeting at Lincoln Hall by Frederick Douglass, October 22, 1883.

“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”*

* From Scenes in the life of Harriet Tubman by Sarah H. Bradford. Auburn: W. J. Moses, 1869.


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What would you do if one of your rights were taken away? What would you do if you thought a law was unfair? Would you have the courage, or the bravery, to speak up? Would you fight for your rights or the rights of others?

People have fought for freedoms throughout our country’s history. They have also fought for justice, or fairness, for all. Their fight for rights often caused hardship and other dangers. Here are some of these heroic Americans.

Abraham Lincoln was our country’s 16th president, from 1861 to 1865. Lincoln was against slavery. Toward the end of the Civil War, Lincoln led Congress and the states to pass an amendment that ended slavery in the United States forever.

Clara Barton believed in equal rights. She was a teacher. But she quit when she found out that a male teacher was paid twice as much as she was. She also believed in helping others. During the Civil War, Barton helped wounded soldiers. In 1881, she started the American Red Cross. This group still brings food, help, and medical care to people in emergencies today.

Eleanor Roosevelt supported children’s causes, workers’ rights, and equal rights for women and African Americans. She fought for these issues when she was first lady. After her husband died, she led a human rights commission at the United Nations and helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an important leader of the Civil Rights movement. During the 1950s and 1960s, he gave speeches, led marches, and went to jail to end the unfair treatment of African Americans. King fought for equal rights even though he was arrested and his family was threatened.

“I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel.”*

* Letter from Abraham Lincoln to A. G. Hoodges, March 26, 1864, Library of Congress.

“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.”*

* From Clara Barton Professional Angel by Elizabeth Brown Pryor, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1987.

“Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time.”*

* From You Learn By Living by Eleanor Roosevelt. New York: Harper Collins, 1960.

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.”*

* From Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech by Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Media, 1964.


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DO YOUR DUTYWe Americans have lots of freedoms. But with those freedoms come responsibilities, or duties. For example, we have the right to vote for, or elect, our leaders. But that means we have a responsibility to vote in elections.

Vote!In the past, some people had to fight for the right to vote. But you don’t! You have the right to vote when you are 18 or over. It’s your responsibility to use that right. It’s also your responsibility to stay informed about issues and candidates. Then you can make thoughtful choices when you vote.

Should Kids Get the Vote?Until 1971, only U.S. citizens over 21 could vote. Today the voting age is 18. Some people think it should be even lower. Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? What do you think the voting age should be?

It’s the Law!Paying taxes is an important responsibility of a good citizen. It’s also the law. Some tax money goes to the armed forces to defend our country. Tax money is also used to build schools and roads and keep parks open. Taxes pay for police, firefighters, and teachers, too.

Another responsibility required by law is jury duty. You have to serve on a jury when you’re called. And obeying the law in general is your responsibility, too.

We have the right to a fair trial, too. But that means we also have a responsibility to serve on a jury. Being a good citizen means exercising your rights and remembering your responsibilities.


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DO YOUR DUTY Do the Right ThingA good citizen helps out even when it’s not the law. You can help others directly or you can help out groups that do good work. You’re a good citizen when you are polite and respectful to others. You also remember that we’re all equal. It doesn’t matter what we look like or where our families come from.

You can be a good citizen, too, by speaking out to help make your community a better place. You can write letters to the newspaper or blog online to urge leaders to do what you feel is the right thing to do. You can sign petitions that share your opinions. You can even call government

officials to speak your mind.

One group that practices good citizenship is called Teens Speak Up! Every year, these teens with epilepsy visit lawmakers in Washington, D.C. They share their stories of living with this condition and fight for more government research and funding to combat it.

TEENS SPEAK UP!


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LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALLThe Statue of Liberty is a symbol of democracy in the United States. In one hand, she holds a torch – the light of liberty and freedom. In her other hand, she holds a tablet that stands for the law. Liberty and law represent the two parts of being a good citizen – your rights in a democracy and your responsibilities to obey the law and support your country.


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LAW ANDORDERHave you ever seen a statue like this? This woman is called Lady Justice. She can’t see if a person in front of her is famous or powerful when she decides whether or not that person broke the law. Her blindfold is a symbol that means justice is fair to all people, no matter who they are.

You might see Lady Justice if you visit a court or another government building. That’s because in the United States, justice and the law are supposed to apply to everyone in the same way. It shouldn’t matter how much money you have, what you look like, or where your family came from. Everyone has to obey the law. And everyone should be treated the same way under the law.


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What’s the Consequence?

Traffic laws keep people safe. What would happen if people ignored stoplights and traffic laws?

Good citizens like you don’t mind obeying laws. You know that laws are there to protect people from harm and to keep your community and your country functioning well. When you obey laws, you’re supporting your community and your country.

Accidents may be a consequence, or result, of breaking traffic laws. Other consequences might include getting a speeding ticket and a fine for driving too fast.

Breaking any kind of law has consequences. Someone who is caught littering may have to pay a fine or do community service. But someone who breaks a more serious law may go to jail. If people did not obey laws, the country would be in confusion.


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COMMUNITY CITIZENS: IT’S YOUR HOMEBeing a good citizen is more than just following the law. It means showing respect for yourself and the people

Joining In Good citizens participate, or take part, in events that help other people in the community. You might collect canned goods for a food drive or help raise money for a cause. You might visit senior citizens who may be lonely. Can you think of other ways you might participate in your community?

around you. It means finding ways to make your home and your community a better place. How can you do this?


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Lending a Hand

Family Is Community

Good citizens volunteer in the community. A volunteer chooses to do work without getting paid. You might volunteer to clean up a park or serve meals at a soup kitchen. Volunteer jobs can be big or small. A big job might involve helping out in an emergency. Small jobs include helping a neighbor carry groceries or watching a pet while a neighbor is away.

Your family is acommunity, too. Do you follow your family’s rules? Do you help out with chores? If you said yes, you are being a good citizen at home. You’re making it a better place, too!


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CITIZEN HEROESHow can you help make the world a better place? You can start right in your own community! Here are some kids who show that they’re good citizens by helping in their communities.

Rights for KidsYou have a right to free speech. Many kids use that right to make the world a better place. For example, some kids tell others about bullying. Other kids get people to help the homeless.

Kids in PoliticsYou may not be able to vote, but you can still take part in the political life of your community. You can write letters to the newspaper or speak at town council meetings. You can also register people to vote or collect money for causes.


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A Garden for ManyStudents at Mount View High School in Maine planted an organic garden at school. They use some of the vegetables in their own school cafeteria. They give the rest to the community to help feed people in need.

Hooked on BooksKids in Santa Fe, New Mexico, participate in the Alliance for Literacy. This group encourages reading in their town. Students volunteer to sort donated books, help younger kids learn to read, and do other tasks for the project.

Food Bank KidsKids volunteer at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina on special kids’ days. They fight hunger by helping with tasks such as sorting food donations at the food bank’s warehouses.


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Voting is a right and a responsibility. Let everyone know. Write a television commercial to convince people to vote in the next election. Explain why it is important to vote. Say who can vote and how people can find out where to vote. Don’t forget to remind your listeners to study up on the issues and the candidates before they vote.

Think about the character traits of good citizens. Do they help others? Do they help make the community a better place? Do they volunteer? Cut out or print newspaper and magazine articles about people who show good character traits. Use them to create a bulletin board display called “How Good Citizens Participate.”

VOTE!

GOOD CITIZEN BULLETIN BOARD

Activities

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HSS 3.4 Students understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives and the basic structure of the U.S. government.

3.4.1 Determine the reasons for rules, laws, and the U.S. Constitution; the role of citizenship in the promotion of rules and laws; and the consequences for people who violate rules and laws. 3.4.2 Discuss the importance of public virtue and the role of citizens, includ-ing how to participate in a classroom, in the community, and in civic life. 3.4.4 Understand the three branches of government, with an emphasis on local government. 3.4.6 Describe the lives of American heroes who took risks to secure our freedoms (e.g., Anne Hutchinson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr.).

Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills

Research, Evidence, and Point of View 1. Students differentiate between prima-ry and secondary sources.

CALIFORNIA STANDARDS

• What would be your duties as a good citizen if you were a kid living on a farm in the late 1800s?

• You follow a lot of rules every day being a good citizen. But have you ever thought about what makes a rule a good rule?

• Is your classroom a community?You bet it is! Learn about a few ways you can be a good citizen in your school community.

• Learn about Brandon Keefe, who, at the age of eight, came up with a brilliant idea when he visited the orphanage his mom volunteered at. Learn how a simple idea can have a big impact!

America: Heritage and CultureThe American flag. The bald eagle. “The Star Spangled Banner.” We celebrate American history in many ways, from songs and paintings to documents and landmarks. Learn the backstory about why we celebrate the things we do, and discover the legends who helped build our great nation.

Protecting ResourcesThe Earth is a delicate planet. Clean air and water play essential roles in our lives. As the global population continues to grow, scientists are working hard to find ways to help protect the world’s natural resources. From conserving our rain forests to protecting endangered species, it’s important that we all do our part to help protect Earth’s resources.

How America WorksThe United States is a democracy, made up of citizens, rules and laws, and a government. But government comes in all shapes and sizes. Learn about the various roles of local, state, and federal government, and the people and institutions that help keep our country running every day.

LEARN MORE ONLINE!

MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH THESE RELATED TITLES

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Mapping Our World

U.S. Geography

People and the Environment

Protecting Resources

The First People

Settling the Land

Communities Change

Role of Citizens

How America Works

America: Heritage and Culture

Producers and Consumers

Saving and Spending

On the Cover: Team of young volunteers cleaning up the park. Shutterstock: wavebreakmedia.

Picture Credits: Bangor Daily News: Abigail Curtis: p.17 top right (A Garden for Many); Epilepsy Foundation: Jack & David Hartzman: p.9 bottom (Teens Speak Up!); Getty Images:

Editor: Jennifer DixonArt Direction: Brobel DesignDesigners: Ian Brown, Ed Gabel, David Ricculli, Jeremy RechPhoto Research: Ted Levine, Elisabeth Morgan, Jenna MinchukActivities Writer: Kristine Scharaldi

Proofreader: Carolyn JacksonFact-Checker: Margaret Mittelbach

Author: Christina WilsdonAuthor Team Lead: Mary Pearce

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Possession of this publication in print format does not entitle users to convert this publication, or any portion of it, into electronic format.

Scott Eisen: p.5 lower left (protesting); Bettmann: p.6 top left (Anne Hutchinson), p.6 top center (Frederick Douglass); MPI / Stringer: p.6 top right (Harriet Tubman); Archive Photos: p.7 top center (Eleanor Roosevelt); Donald Uhrbrock: p.7 top right (Martin Luther King Jr.); Heritage Images: p.8 center left (suffragettes); ullstein bild: p.12 center (Lady Justice); Universal Images Group: p.14 center (children performing); Compassionate Eye Foundation: p.15 (washing dishes). iStock: Pamela Moore: p.3 bottom left (cleaning up); NikoNomad: p.3 bottom right (amphitheater in Athens); FangXiaNuo: p.5 top left (going to church); Rich Legg: p.5 bottom left (courtroom); MidoSemsem: p.7 top left (Abraham Lincoln); Andres Garcia Martin: pp.10–11 center (Statue of Liberty); Steve Debenport: p.16 top right (child holding sign); Andrew Rich: p.16 bottom left (vote). Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences: p.17 center left (Hooked on Books). Shutterstock: Markus Mainka: p.2 center (map of U.S.); FashionStock.com: p.2 bottom right (Hurricane Katrina volunteers); Victorian Traditions: p.4 center (Washington crossing the Delaware); Everett Historical: p.5 top right (Bill of Rights), p.7 top center (Clara Barton); VGstockstudio: p.5 center left (child with tablet); Georgios Kollidas: p.6 top center (Benjamin Franklin); Monkey Business Images: p.9 top right (volunteering); wavebreakmedia: p.19 bottom (classroom); Ilike: p.15 bottom left (family); Mike Flippo: p.18 top (vote button); Lorelyn Medina: p.18 bottom (bulletin board); In Green: p.19 top left (American flag); p.19 top center (deforestation); ESB Professional: p.19 top right (U.S. Capitol building). www.foodbankcenc.org: p.17 bottom right (food bank kids).

Original Illustrations:Michael Kline Illustration: We the People, How Do You Become a Citizen, p.3; All People Are Created Equal, p.4; Officer at Door, p.5; Vote Here, Uncle Sam, p.8; Good Citizen, p.9; What’s the Consequence?, No Littering, p.13.

Text Acknowledgment:Excerpt from “The Quest for Peace and Justice [Nobel Lecture]” by Martin Luther King Jr. from Nobel Lectures, Peace 1951–1970, edited by Frederick W. Haberman, Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1972. Text copyright © 1964 by The Nobel Foundation. Reprinted by permission of The Nobel Foundation.

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