SSCG:7

1. SSCG:7 The students will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in Civil life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a Jury, participating in the political process, performing public service,Registering for military duty, being informed on current issues, andRespecting differing opinions.

2. EQ: Why Study Government? Students will be asked to examine and list how government affect their daily lives. We will discuss the importance of government and their role in it. Students will develop an understanding of the role of citizens as it pertains to how the governed determine what governments can and cannot do.

3. Obeying the Law Not obeying the law has ALL negative connotations on society -It costs law abiding citizens money, security and sometimes their live -Businesses will not to move into a community where there is a high crime Rate citizens will have lower job opportunities Resulting in higher unemployment, welfare cases and crime -By obeying the law society is much more productive -more business’ + more opportunities =more jobs -people feel more secure in their surroundings -families are more apt to do more activities in their community -Ask this question: Do you want a jail in your back yard?

4. Informed on Current Issues: • Being aware of issues going on around you allows you to have a voice in those things that concern you. • - knowing how your tax dollars are being spent • - not allowing others to make decisions for you • - an uneducated society is one that is easily taken advantage of • Again do you want a jail in your backyard?

5. Serving on a Jury: • Serving on a jury is not only a civic duty, it is a moral responsibility. • serving insures that people in our communities are being judge • by other citizens of that community • It holds criminals accountable to the community • Serving relieves the burden of the court system • If we didn’t have a citizenry willing to do their duty the government • Would have to increase taxes to fund a jury pool • Would you want somebody from another community hearing a case against you?

6. Registering for the Military: • Is it not better to be prepared in the event of an emergency than to be caught of guard and unprepared? • a way of insuring that we will have the forces needed to protect us • as stated in the Preamble the government has the responsibility • “Providing for the common defense” and “Securing the blessings • Of liberty” • relying on a volunteer army is unreliable • only young men the age of 18 are required to register • what greater form of civic responsibility than to defend society • as a whole

7. Paying Taxes: • a necessary evil to insure government can keep running • used to support programs and works projects to better society as a whole • another of the purposes stated in the Preamble “Promote the general welfare

8. Involved in the Political Process: • If you don’t vote you can’t complain. • to be involved is more than just voting • supporting a candidate or a party platform is a sense of identification • having a say in who or who does not represent you • one vote does matter • having a support system on issues that most

9. Respecting Differing Opinions: • We can not be an educated society unless we know both sides of an argument • opening up our minds to other possibilities • compromising with others to get more done • promote civil obedience • being introduced to ideas to come up with alternative solutions • Tolerance of others so we can live peacefully as a society • “One man, one voice” everyone needs to be heard

10. Public Service: • Helping others who may not be able to help themselves. • less of a burden on taxpayers • such as no tax dollars being used • a sense of community with other citizens • a stake in our neighborhoods • watching out for the other guy • more productive as volunteers instead of waiting to have an immediate • need addressed