Duties and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens

Legal Duties

These are actions a citizen MUST do to stay within the law.

An American citizen MUST…

Obey laws passed by Congress (federal laws)And laws passed by state and local legislatures.

An American citizen MUST…

Serve as a witness if asked by the Court to do so.A witness must respond to a court-order to appear before the court, called a subpoena.

“I swear to tell the truth, the whole, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”

An American citizen MUST…

Serve on a jury.Employers must allow citizens to serve with no problems if asked.Citizens can be excused if they can show that serving would cause hardship.

Civic Responsibilities

These are actions a citizen should do on a voluntary basis to be a good citizen.

An American citizen SHOULD…

Vote in federal, state, and local elections.The voting age in the United States is 18 according to the 26th Amendment (1971)51% is a majority and wins the vote.

An American citizen SHOULD…

Run for political officeOnly if he or she feels a contribution can be made.The candidate must file with the party of their choice.It takes large amounts of money to run even a local campaign.

An American citizen SHOULD…

Express opinions to elected officialsCitizens can write Congressional officesMaking a phone call is also OKEmail is possible too.

An American citizen SHOULD…

Participate in civic groups such as the Lions Club, Kiwanis, or American Legion.

An American citizen SHOULD…

Know his or her legal rights according to the Constitution.Be familiar with the Court System.

Vocab