Virginia Experience Civics & Economics Social Studies

People may disagree with a federal,
state, or local law. But good citizens still
follow those laws. If people could pick and
choose which laws to obey, their community
would be in chaos! People could be badly
hurt! If a good citizen disagrees with a law,
he or she goes to public meetings, talks to
an elected official, or rallies the community
to get that law changed.
Patriotism means loving or being
devoted to your country. By showing
patriotism, good citizens reward their
countries for the good decisions they make
for their own people and for the rest of the
world. This does not mean a good citizen
never disagrees with something his or her
country does. But patriotism helps citizens
ensure that the best aspects of their country
continue from generation to generation.
Respect for the Law
Patriotism
Participation in Your School and/or Local Community
Sadly, many people never get involved
in their communities. But good citizens
do get involved! They stay informed
about what’s going on in their schools and
communities, and involved in important
decisions and events. They also volunteer
when their schools or local governments
need citizen help, since taxes can’t always
pay for everything a community needs!
Sadly, many people never bother to vote
in national, state, or local elections. When
they do turn out, they vote for one political
party’s candidates only and ignore ballot
questions that have nothing to do with party.
But a good citizen takes the time to find
out about important issues and to research
where candidates stand on those issues.
Informed citizens who consistently use their
right to vote helps make sure people get the
best governments possible!
Circle the good citizen trait
The City Council reduces the speed limit on streets near
Sharon’s house. She thinks this was a silly decision. It is taking
her longer to drive to and from work or the market, and she
cannot see how residents are much safer. But Sharon still
obeys the new speed limit and asks her City Council member to
restore the old limit.
Sharon routinely drives 10 mph faster than the new speed limit. She
believes she is a good driver so she won’t put any other motorist or
pedestrian at risk. Sharon is willing to risk getting a ticket.
Circle the good citizen trait
Joe never goes to the Memorial Day ceremony honoring
veterans of the military at the county park, even though that
park is just a couple of minutes away. No one in Joe’s family
has served in the military, so he figures the ceremony is for other
people. Besides, Joe thinks some of America’s wars were bad
decisions.
Every year, Joe stops by the Memorial Day ceremony. Even
though no one in his family is a veteran, Joe thinks it is the least
he can do to honor other Americans who gave so much. He
thinks showing respect for their sacrifice is more important than
any disagreements he has with wars.
Circle the good citizen trait
Ben volunteers to help pick up trash at the local high school,
even though his children have graduated. He believes that the
community should take pride in its schools.
Ben ignored the high school’s email asking for help picking up
trash. He figures he already pays taxes to help keep the school
looking nice.
Sample
Participation in Elections as an Informed Voter
Circle the good citizen trait
Lisa throws the local newspaper away without even opening it.
Lisa reads each edition of the local newspaper to stay informed
about the candidates and issues in the upcoming city elections.
©Carole Marsh/Gallopade • www.gallopade.com • Virginia Civics & Economics • Page 26
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