JUMPSTARTIN YOUR NOTEBOOK - Imagine that

someone in your family chooses not to vote in elections. He or she says that a single vote does not matter because millions of people will vote. Think about what you might say to this person. Why is it important to vote? How might you persuade him or her to vote?

Unit 7: Government

Civic Rights and Responsibilities

Voting is a RightThe right to vote gives citizens a chance to

participate in government.The 26th Amendment says all citizens, 18 and

older, may help decide who will serve in elected positions (REPUBLICANISM).

Voters also make direct decisions about key issues that affect their lives.

Be informed. Know the issues and the candidates platforms so that you don’t elect the wrong person.

Voting is a Civic Responsibility

#1

•If you don’t, you won’t help improve the government or your surroundings.

#2

•If you don’t, you will give up the chance to decide who will lead or how issues will be resolved.

#3

•You can lose it! It’s a privilege!

Voter History in Texashttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar7r

5aG_B0YAfrican American men won the right to

vote in 1870. – 15th Amendment.1902 – “Poll Tax” amendment charged

between $1.50 and $1.75 per year and affected many African Americans and Mexicans. This was amended in Texas in 1966.

Women won the right to vote in 1920. - 19th Amendment

Texas Voter Registration

57.8%

42.2%

1970Regis-tered

85.50%

14.50%

2000Regis-tered

In the 2012 Presidential Election 5,677,201 registered voters in Texas DID NOT VOTE!

Two Ways to Get Involved

Lobbying – trying to persuade legislators to pass or defeat certain laws

Special Interest Groups – a group of like-minded individuals that try to influence government policy (ex. Businesses, labor unions, teachers, minority groups, women, etc.)

Other Responsibilities

Paying taxesCommunity

planningVolunteering –

Share your time!Serving on a Jury

Jury ProcessThe person who received the case is your

Jury Foreperson.Read the background information about

your teen and discuss the events of the crime and leading up to it.

In your groups, you will need to discuss the possible sentencing options. One or more is available.

Be prepared to share your final judgment.