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Anchor Concept: Citizenship (PDF File)

CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship can be defined as legally recognized membership in a political community*. Citizenship contains two key aspects: responsibilities and rights. Good citizenship implies assuming one's responsibilities to his or her community; for this to be possible, citizens must first have the rights and freedoms to carry out these responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities of citizenship is participation, either by support or by opposition. This is accomplished mainly through the political process and by voting, although there are other means, such as free speech and public manifestations of support or disapproval. The benefits of democratic citizenship also include legal rights, religious freedom and human rights.

*A political community can be defined as the organization of law, authority and decision-making among persons in society to promote the common good.

Related Concepts:

COMMITMENT
DEMOCRACY
CIVILIZATION
SOCIETY
CULTURE
COMMUNICATION
COMMON GOOD / COMMUNITY
EQUALITY
IMMIGRATION
INTERDEPENDENCE
COOPERATION
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
STATE / GOVERNMENT
WORK
SERVICE
BELONGING

Corresponding Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:
 
CGE1d Develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good
CGE2b Reads, understands and uses written materials effectively
CGE2c Presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others
CGE2d Writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada's official languages
CGE3d Makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience
CGE3f Examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society
CGE4b Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability
CGE5a Works effectively as an interdependent team member
CGE5e Respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others
CGE7a Acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions
CGE7b Accepts accountability for one's own actions
CGE7e Witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society
CGE7g Respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today's contemporary society
CGE7h Exercises the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship
CGE7j Contributes to the common good