U.S. Government and Civics / Unit 5: Civil Rights and Citizenship
5.6 Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Notes
Citizenship brings both duties (required by law) and responsibilities (voluntary but important).
- Duties: obey laws, pay taxes, serve on a jury when called, attend school as required by state law, and, for most men aged 18 to 25, register with the Selective Service.
- Responsibilities: vote, stay informed, volunteer, respect others' rights, take part in community life.
- Rights held only by citizens include voting in federal elections, serving on federal juries and holding most elected offices.
- Civic virtue means putting the common good ahead of personal interest.
- Example: answering a jury summons is a legal duty; voting in a local school board election is a voluntary responsibility.
Practice
Which is a legal duty of citizens rather than a voluntary responsibility?
Jury service is required when a citizen is called.
An 18-year-old man is required by federal law to:
Registration is required, but there is currently no draft.
Which right is generally reserved for citizens only?
Many constitutional rights cover all persons, but federal voting is limited to citizens.
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