Citizen Participation

Overview

This Fact of Congress discusses the responsibilities of citizens in a representative democracy.

 

Standards

Please select your state to view the corresponding standards:

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Key Terms

Citizen: A member of a political society who owes allegiance to the government. Citizens are enti­tled to rights and protections from their government.

Representative: An elected person who represents citizens in Congress.

 

Discussion Questions

Check for Understanding

These questions are designed to assess students’ knowledge of concepts introduced in this Fact of Congress.

1. How can citizens become involved?
2. Why is it important to communicate your ideas to your representatives?

Extending Concepts

These questions are designed to extend students’ understanding of concepts introduced in this Fact of Congress.

1. Why is civic participation crucial to the maintenance of a representative democracy?
2. What are some characteristics of a active citizen that help preserve the republic?

Suggested Activities

You may want to complete one or more of the activities below after your students have watched Fact of Congress: Citizen Participation.

Grades 4 – 8

Students Promoting Civic Participation

Conduct a whole-class discussion about how citizens can participate in government. Then have stu­dents think of ways that they can become active citizens. Form a club for Students Promoting Civic Participation. Students in this club should look at the list the class created and find ways to actively participate in government.

Consequences of Not Participating

Discuss the importance of citizen involvement in a representative democracy. Then ask students to write a paper that describes what would happen if citizens in the United States stopped participat­ing in the political process.

 

Grades 9 – 12

Active Citizenship

Have the class create a monthly “Active Citizens” newsletter. In the first newsletter, students should explain why it is important to be an active citizen and describe some ways to participate in govern­ment. In the subsequent newsletters, students should interview one student at the school and write a feature article about how that person got involved with government. Students writing the newsletter should try to include examples of many different ways students have participated in government. For example, the newsletter may include articles about students who send letters to their legislators, help with campaigns, sign a petition, or identify a problem in the local community and work with others to find a solution. Students may also want to include suggestions for becom­ing active citizens in each letter.

 

Talk to Your Legislator

Discuss the importance of civic participation. Then have students identify a significant issue in the community, gather information about that issue, and make a justifiable decision to resolve the issue. Invite a representative from your district to come to the class so students can present their ideas to him or her. If a legislator is unable to visit your class, ask students to write a letter.

 

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