The right to vote gives citizens a chance to participate in government. All citizens 18 and older,...
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Transcript of The right to vote gives citizens a chance to participate in government. All citizens 18 and older,...
CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The right to vote gives citizens a chance to participate in government. All citizens 18 and older, may help decide who
will serve in elected positions of government.• State and US Representatives
• State and US Senators• US President and Vice President• Governor and Lieutenant Governor
• Judges• Members of State Boards
• Mayor and City Council Members• County Judges and County Commissioners
VOTING: A RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY
Voters also make Direct decisions about key issues that affect their lives.
• Raising taxes and how those taxes will be used• Local laws
• Amendments to the Constitution
KEY ISSUES
Voting is a right and a responsibilityParticipate in governing by electing people who represent
you in the government.When a person does not vote:
• They do not help improve their government or surroundings.
• Give up a chance to decide who will lead the government and how issues on the ballot will be resolved.
WHY CITIZENS SHOULD VOTE
For many years, registering to vote was impossible for some Texans.
• 1870 African American won the right to vote with the 15th Amendment.
• 1902 Required people to pay a poll tax before they could register. This tax was usually between $1.50 and $1.75
per year. A century ago, Hispanics and African American were among the poorest people in the State and couldn’t
afford this.
FIGHTING TO VOTE
• 1920 Women won the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. Women had been fight for the right to vote
since 1840.• 1964 US Constitution Amendment ended the poll tax in
federal elections.• 1966 Texas Constitution was amended to outlaw the poll
tax.
FIGHTING TO VOTE
GET INFORMED
The news media have made it easy for voters to stay informed.
• Newspapers• Radio• TV
• Books• Magazines• Internet
It is important that you get correct information. Not everything you see on the internet or TV are always true.It is important to read each item on the ballot carefully to
understand what your vote means.
GETTING INFORMED
LOBBYING
Lobbying—contacting lawmakers in order to persuade them to vote in a certain way.
Citizens have the right to let government leaders know whether they agree or disagree with certain laws.
To voice your opinions you can write letters, email, and call.Special Interest Groups are groups that try to influence
government Policy.
These groups represent business, agriculture, labor unions, teachers, minority groups, women, and low income citizens
and other groups of people. Working together in groups makes it more likely your opinion will be heard.
LOBBYING
Paying Taxes provide for:
• Police Protection• Fire Protection
• Streets and Highways• Parks
• Libraries• Schools• Hospitals
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Serving on JuriesThe constitution guarantees every person accused of a
crime the right to a trial by a jury.• Jurors are selected from a list of registered voters who
hold a drivers license or a DOPS ID Card.• If asked to be on a jury, you must either appear or
provide a legally acceptable excuse. If you do not appear you may be fined.
Volunteer: Communities always need people to share their knowledge,
skills, and talents with others.
MORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Form of Participation Why it Matters
SUMMARIZATION
How could you persuade a family member to vote?
EXIT TICKET