Citizenship:
Rights, Responsibilities and Liberties
Session 7: Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Materials

• Federal tax forms (1040EZ)
• Voter registration cards
• Newspaper editorials

Instructional Activities

1. Go to the public library prior to class and collect several tax forms and voter registration cards. Also collect newspaper editorials for approximately a week prior to the lesson.
   
   
2. Discuss with the class their responsibility to pay taxes and the process for completing a tax return. Give them a 1040EZ, and guide them through a basic tax return, using fictitious information.
   
   
3. Discuss the importance of voting, and encourage students to register with the forms provided.
   
   
4. Have the students read the editorials, discuss the importance of respecting others’ opinions, and connect the concept to the rights in the 1st Amendment.