1-1 Civics in our Lives Name: ________________________

American Civics and Government

• Introduction
○ Examination of what it means to be an “___________________”
○ _________ ____________ of our government
○ Why citizens __________________ in order for our system _____________
properly.

1. The Meaning of Civics

a. Civics – is the ____________________________________.
b. Citizen – is a ___________________________ of the country.
i. Civics is from the Latin _______, meaning “__________”
c. The rights and responsibilities of citizens vary from country to country
depending upon their country’s government.
i. Government – the ________________, _______________, and
______________ who exercise ____________ as a political unit over a
group of people.
2. American Ideals
a. The U.S. Government and the American way of life are based on the
ideals of _________ and __________. As citizens, we are ___________ the
same basic rights and freedoms.
b. Our rights and freedoms are protected by ______.
c. Our rights and freedoms __________________ from any law-abiding
citizen.
d. Citizens must be willing to protect this ____________________.
3. A Heritage of Freedom
a. Begins in our belief in the freedom to ______. This country provides a
_____ high-school education in all states. Many states provide a
________________ education too.
i. An education
______________________________________________________. It also
allows us to discern if our rights are being _________.
b. We have the freedom to:
__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_
_______________________________________________________________________
_
i. …To do all of the above without threat of ______________________
without just cause.
4. Government by the People
a. Those who founded our government created a system intended to
________________. The government they formed remains strong
because the _______________________ _________________.
b. Just as official are _____________ in an office, they can be _____________
by not winning reelection. Thus, our founders created a system that
would _______________ of the American people. (and _______ them, to
an extent)
c. Our government cannot be “by the people” if U.S. citizens are _____ in
the process.
i. Our #1 responsibility is _________.
ii.Other responsibilities include: joining ____________, promoting
_____________ and supporting __________, inform your
representatives of your _________, discuss _________ with others,
and understand the __________ of our government.
5. Qualities of Good Citizenship
a. What does a “good citizen” look like?
i. Responsible _______ members
ii.Respect and obey the _____ of the land
iii.Respect the _______ and ________ of others
iv.Are ________ to their country and _______ of its accomplishments
v.Take part in and improve life in their _____________
vi.Take an ____________ in their government
vii.Use natural ___________ wisely
viii.Are ________________ on important issues and are willing to
_______________ on these issues when conscience demands it
ix.Believe in ________ of _____________ for all people
x._________ individual ______________, points of view, and ways of
life that are different from their own.
1. None of these things will ______________________ and
liberties of other citizens.
2. A good summary = ___________________: treat others as you
would want to be treated.
6. The Importance of Civics
a. Understanding our system allows citizens to ___________ in our
government
b. Learning about our government’s __________, our __________ system,
and our __________ system are vital in order f or us to make
_______________.