Duty or Responsibility
You receive a letter in the mail notifying you that you’ve been selected to sit on a jury. Although you’d rather spend your time focusing on schoolwork, you understand that this is an important part of participating in the justice system.
Is serving on a jury a duty or a responsibility?
Duty
Jury duty is essential to upholding the justice system, as it allows for fair trials where fellow citizens participate in deciding verdicts. Failure to appear for jury duty can result in legal consequences.
This person works to enforce laws, maintain public order, and ensure safety in communities. Their duties may include patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes.
Police Officer or Paramedic?
Police Officer
As a citizen, you have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections once you reach this age. What is the minimum voting age?
By organizing a fundraiser to help a local shelter or charity, you are participating in an activity that supports your community. What is this called?
Fundraising
This woman refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the modern Civil Rights Movement. Who was she?
Rosa Parks
While walking home from school, you notice that the park near your house is filled with trash from a recent event. Although no one is requiring you to do so, you decide to take some time to pick up the litter because you want to keep your community clean.
Is picking up trash in your community a duty or a responsibility?
Responsibility
Responsibilities like keeping public spaces clean are encouraged but not enforced by law. This type of action shows good citizenship and respect for the environment, even though it is not mandatory.
This individual serves as an elected representative, working with other officials to create laws, approve budgets, and address issues affecting their district, state, or country. They attend meetings, listen to community concerns, and vote on legislation.
Legislator or City Planner
Legislator
This right allows you to express your opinions without fear of government punishment, whether through speech, writing, or protests. What is this right?
Freedom of Speech
You can make a difference by helping your neighbors during emergencies, cleaning up public spaces, or organizing food drives. What is this type of activity called?
Volunteering or Community Service
This document, signed in 1776, declared the American colonies free from British rule and is a cornerstone of American democracy. What is this document?
The Declaration of Independence
It’s tax season, and you watch as your parents gather their financial documents and file their taxes before the deadline.
Is paying taxes a duty or a responsibility?
Duty
Paying taxes is a duty because it is legally required by the government. Taxes fund public services like education, transportation, healthcare, and emergency services that benefit society as a whole. If citizens do not fulfill this duty, they can face penalties, fines, or even legal action.
This job involves defending the legal rights of clients in court, providing advice, and preparing legal documents. These professionals may work on criminal or civil cases, representing individuals, companies, or government agencies.
Policy Analyst or Lawyer?
Lawyer
This right allows you to practice any religion—or no religion at all—without government interference. What is this right?
Freedom of Religion
Participating in this allows you to influence local decisions, such as choosing school board members or approving community projects. You must be registered to do it. What is this activity?
Voting
This man delivered the famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 March on Washington, advocating for equality and civil rights. Who was he?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
You’re excited to turn 18 soon, as you’ll be able to vote in upcoming elections. Knowing that voting is a key part of making your voice heard in a democracy, you encourage your friends to register as well.
Is voting in elections a duty or a responsibility?
Responsibility
Voting is a responsibility because, while it’s highly encouraged, it is not required by law. Voting allows citizens to influence government decisions, policies, and leadership. It’s a way to participate in democracy and make one’s voice heard.
This person is responsible for collecting and analyzing data about community issues, writing reports, and recommending programs to help improve social services, education, or public policy. They often work for local or federal government agencies or nonprofit organizations.
Public Policy Specialist or Social Worker?
Public Policy Specialist
This right guarantees that you can gather with others to discuss issues or protest peacefully. What is this right?
Right to Assemble (or Freedom of Assembly)
Writing letters to your representatives about a local issue you care about is an example of this type of community participation. What is it called?
Advocacy
In 1920, this amendment gave women the right to vote in the United States. What is this amendment called?
The 19th Amendment
When you turn 18, you find out that, as a male citizen, you’re required by law to register with the Selective Service, even though the military draft isn’t currently active.
Is registering with the Selective Service a duty or a responsibility?
Duty
Registering with the Selective Service is a duty for male citizens ages 18-25 in the U.S., as it is legally required. Even though there is no active draft, registration ensures that the government can quickly mobilize if a national emergency arises. Not registering can have serious consequences, such as losing eligibility for certain federal benefits and even legal penalties.
Working for the city, county, or state, this official oversees elections to ensure they are fair, accurate, and secure. They manage the voter registration process, prepare ballots, and supervise polling locations.
Election Official or Poll Worker?
Election Official
If you are accused of a crime, this right ensures you are treated fairly and have access to a trial by jury. What is this right?
Right to Due Process
This activity allows students to represent their peers, collaborate on school policies, and plan events while developing leadership and public speaking skills. It also mirrors roles in civic leadership, preparing participants for future involvement in government or community organizations. What is this called?
Joining Student Government (or Participating in Student Council)
This President is known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which began the process of freeing enslaved people in the United States. Who was he?
Abraham Lincoln