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Citizens Working for Change

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Right

A freedom or protection guaranteed to people by law.

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Responsibility

A duty or action citizens are expected to carry out to help their community and government work well.

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Civic participation

Taking part in public life, government, or community decision-making.

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Public service

Work done to help the community or the public good.

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Petition

A formal request asking the government or leaders to take action.

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Common good

What benefits the community as a whole.

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Constitutional principle

A major idea found in the U.S. Constitution, such as liberty, justice, rule of law, popular sovereignty, and limited government.

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Opening Activity: Rights or Responsibilities?

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Voting in an election

Both

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Speaking out about an issue

Right

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Obeying laws

Responsibility

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Serving on a jury

Responsibility

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Respecting the rights of others

Responsibility

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Peacefully protesting

Right

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Staying informed about public issues

Responsibility

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Contacting an elected official

Both

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Student Activity: Civic Action Analysis Chart

Historical Connections: Citizens Working for Change

Divide students into small groups. Assign each group one historical example of civic participation. Students should identify the right or responsibility involved and explain how people worked for change.

PDF for students is linked within the Teacher guide

Example 1: The American Revolution

Colonists used speeches, pamphlets, petitions, boycotts, committees, and public meetings to challenge British policies. They argued that government should protect the rights of the people and that citizens had a role in shaping public decisions.

Rights and responsibilities connected: speech, press, petition, assembly, public debate, civic action

Example 2: The Women’s Suffrage Movement

Women and their allies organized meetings, wrote articles, marched, petitioned lawmakers, and campaigned for the right to vote. Their efforts helped lead to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Rights and responsibilities connected: voting, assembly, petition, speech, equal participation

Example 3: The Civil Rights Movement

Citizens used marches, boycotts, lawsuits, speeches, sit-ins, voter registration drives, and nonviolent protest to challenge segregation and discrimination. Their work helped bring national attention to injustice and led to major legal and political changes.

Rights and responsibilities connected: assembly, speech, petition, voting rights, equal protection, public service

Example 4: Community Service and Civic Organizations

Groups such as scouting organizations, churches, clubs, neighborhood associations, and student groups have helped communities through service projects, fundraising, education, and volunteer work.

Rights and responsibilities connected: public service, common good, community participation, informed citizenship

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Historical Example	What problem were citizens trying to address?	What rights did they use?	What responsibilities did they show?	How did their actions create or encourage change?

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Class Discussion Questions

Why are rights important for civic participation?
What responsibilities do citizens have when they use their rights?
Why does democracy depend on informed citizens?
How have citizens used public service to improve their communities?
Can citizens work for change even if they cannot vote? Explain.
What are peaceful and responsible ways people can make their voices heard today?

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My Role as a Citizen

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Exit Ticket

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How can citizens use their rights and responsibilities to help improve their communities?