Lesson 2 Inquiry
Completion requirements
Inquiry
Our Responsibilities as Citizens
In every community, people follow rules. For example, one person getting on the bus at a time or stopping at a stoplight makes people safe. Taking turns makes it fair for everyone. In a community, these rules are called laws. Following rules and laws is part of being a citizen. A citizen is a member of a community who has rights and responsibilities.
Governments must follow written rules too. These rules are called a constitution. Governments are accountable to citizens.
Other Responsibilities of Citizens
Canadian citizens have the responsibilities to
- help themselves and their families
- to help others in the community
- to serve on a jury
- to vote
- to protect and enjoy our heritage and environment
Click here for more information.
You can become an active citizen by
- learning more about issues
- volunteering
- forming groups with people who feel the same as you to be role models or be part of solutions to problems
- voting and serving on a jury when you are 18
- supporting or criticizing an action the government has taken
Use the Our responsibilities as Citizens PDF to write notes around the following questions during your inquiry:
- Why are there laws in society?
- What is a citizen?
- What are our responsibilities as citizens?
- Why is contributing important?
Resources for Inquiry
- Textbook
- Read pages 10 – 15 and page 18.
- Library Books
- Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizens – Look for information that addresses the questions.
- Websites
- Read (or listen to) Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.
- Read some definitions of good citizenship by Grade 6 students.
Notebook
When you feel confident about the information you explored in this inquiry, complete the Lesson 2 Self-Check on the following page.