Teacher Overview

The following questions and paragraph exerpts from the following page may be used as essay questions as well as classroom discussion topics.

Question 1.

"The founders believed that citizens must be guaranteed basic rights so they can fully participate in their government. Citizens, in effect, must be guaranteed participatory power: this power must be protected from government interference. Hence, America, the tradition of a free press, the right to assemble peacefully and petition government, the right to join organizations seeking political goals and the right to vote."

Have students write an essay on the above paragraph. Encourage them to explore the rights that are guaranteed to Americans and to discuss what citizens should give back in exchange for those rights, such as voting or other community involvement. Ask students to be prepared to discuss their answers in class on the day that the essays are due.

Question 2.

"Since ultimate power rests on active, participating citizens, one can say that the Founders created an 'office of citizen.' This office, like the office of president or senator, is guaranteed certain rights, prerogatives and powers. But, the office of citizen also requires the fulfillment of obligations and responsibilities."

Ask students to write or argue the perspective of a citizen as "an office holder."

Question 3.

Voting: Is it a Right or Responsibility for U.S. Citizens?

This may prove to be an interesting classroom discussion topic. Have students defend their positions.

Question 4.

A popular bumper sticker reads "DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT."

Have students explain what this means. You may also wish to encourage them to design their own bumper sticker or slogan to express their feelings about citizens' responsibility in terms of political participation.