Civic Participation

A town council faces budget cuts and can no longer afford to pay for landscaping in town parks.

How could a citizen work within his or her own community to help the local government address this problem?

• by emailing Ohio's congressional delegation to inform them on this issue

• by organizing a group of residents to volunteer for weekly park maintenance

• by requesting that the governor supply the town with state funds for park maintenance

• by running for a seat in the General Assembly with a promise to increase funding for local parks

Which right allows U.S. citizens to directly participate in the electoral process?

• The right to vote

• the right to a trial by jury

• the right to religious freedom

• the right to legal representation

Which civic responsibility is associated with exercising one's right to vote?

• serving on a jury

• paying attorney fees

• obtaining a college degree

• being informed on public issues

Citizens must choose between a plan to build a new city auditorium or a plan to restore the old one. Supporters of the new auditorium claim that building a new auditorium would be more economical than restoring the old one.

In evaluating the credibility of this claim, citizens should pay particular attention to...

• the number of performances held in the auditorium each year.

• the amount of money the supporters spend on promoting their position

• the popularity of the supporters as community leaders

• the projected cost data provided by architects and accountants

How can a citizen become involved in addressing problems that affect the entire state?

• by joining a community watch group

• by volunteering for the fire department

• by signing petitions to place issues on the ballott

• by attending a meeting of the local school board

In the United States, rights carry responsibilities. Which is a civic responsibility of citizens?

• serving on a jury

• attending college

• donating money to charity

• being active in a political party

Which right of U.S. citizens does the civic responsibility of serving on a jury safeguard?

• right to an education

• right to an impartial jury

• right to be mayor of a city

• right to read the newspaper

Your city is debating whether to install a skateboard park on city-owned land. You want to support the park.

Which method would be effective in helping to determine public policy on this decision?

• Participate in the governor's re-election

• Send an email to your U.S. senators expressing your point of view

• Attend the meeting of the city council and present the benefits of a park

• organize a letter-writing campaign to members of the Ohio General Assembly

Citizens have the ability to help support their state and local communities in various ways. Identify three ways citizens can directly support their local communities.

• Becoming a Supreme Court Justice

• Serving as a volunteer firefighter

• Running for President

• Starting a neighborhood watch

• Running for city council.

Which responsibility of US citizens is associated with the right to free speech?

• paying taxes

• serving on a jury

• engaging in civil discourse

• performing community service