Topic 4
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

Snapshot of Topic 4
Supporting Question
What is the role of the individual in maintaining a healthy democracy?
Standards [8.T1.1-13]
- Becoming a Citizen
- Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens and Non-Citizens
- Civic, Political and Private Life
- Fundamental Principles and Values of American Political and Civic Life
- Citizen Participation
- Election Information
- Leadership and the Qualities of Good Leaders
- Cooperation between Individuals and Leaders
- Public Service as a Career
- Liberty in Conflict with Equality or Authority
- Political Courage and Those Who Affirmed or Denied Democratic Ideals
- The Role of Political Protest
- Public and Private Interest Groups
Topic 4: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Topic 4 explores the rights and responsibilities of citizens in our democracy. It consists of 13 standards ranging from how to become a citizen to the different ways that each of us can actively participate in political and civic life through voting, public service, political protest, and membership in public and private interest groups.
4.1. Becoming a Citizen4.2. Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens and Non-Citizens4.3. Civic, Political, and Private Life4.4. Fundamental Principles and Values of American Political and Civic Life4.5. Voting and Citizen Participation in the Political Process4.6. Election Information4.7. Leadership and the Qualities of Political Leaders4.8. Cooperation Between Individuals and Elected Leaders4.9. Public Service as a Career4.10. Liberty in Conflict with Equality or Authority4.11. Political Courage and Those Who Affirmed or Denied Democratic Ideals4.12. The Role of Political Protest4.13. Public and Private Interest Groups, PACs, and Labor Unions