A Citizen's Responsibilities

Explain duties such as obeying laws, jury service, and voting.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 78

Welcome to World 8. So far this year, you've met Americans from history. This world is about a job that will one day be yours: being a citizen.
A citizen is a legal member of a country. You can be born a citizen, or become one by applying, passing a test, and taking an oath.
Some responsibilities are required by law. Everyone here must obey the law and pay taxes. Taxes pay for schools, roads, and firefighters.
Citizens can also be called to serve on a jury. A jury is a group of people who hear a trial and decide the facts. It keeps justice in the hands of ordinary people.
Other responsibilities are choices, but democracy needs them. Citizens 18 and older can vote. Good citizens also learn about the issues, and help their communities.
You can start now. Follow the rules, listen to people who disagree with you, and help out at school and at home.

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies: