NewarkNAACPNews April2024 Vol.8
Ali McBride, Jr.
Civic Engagement Chairperson
Debra J. Chandler Civic Engagement Vice-Chairperson
YOUR GOVERNMENT AND YOU! A Refresher Compiled by Civic Engagement Committee
We have personal rights that pertain to ourselves as individuals, our immediate and extended families and then we have rights that pertain to our relationship to the people who live within our same environment. With those rights also come responsibilities. Our humanity connection demands that we work together for the betterment of each of us.
In This Issue
Your Government & You! p. 1 Teacher Honor Roll! p. 2 2024 ACT-SO p. 2 Langston Hughes Reading p. 2-3 How To Maximize School Success p. 5
Example: We have the right to clean air and the responsibility to help keep it clean. Our government comes into the scenario when lawmakers determine that a business that will bring jobs but who also pollutes the air, should be regulated or not. Citizens have the responsibility to safeguard their rights by holding the lawmakers accountable for their decisions and laws. We each have a role to play and the connector is the citizen’s right to participate in the ruling of his/her country by being actively involved through voting and paying attention to the actions of the people who are voted into office.
What is the role of a government? Government is an integral part of our lives. Governments establish rules and regulations, define the rights and duties of individuals, provide protection, give assistance and provide services to individuals and groups by legal authority given by the people who vote. Political government includes local, state and national government. Each of these governments receives powers from the people through a manual called a constitution or charter. The spirit of Democracy demands a fourth branch of government to be just as active as the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches. Like the fans at a game who become the extra player that encourages, and urges the team to play harder to win, what is the fourth branch of government?
YOU THE CITIZEN !!! YOU THE VOTER !! YOU ARE SHAREHOLDERS!!! You have Rights! And married to those rights are duties and responsibilities. A major right and duty are for you to be an informed VOTER and to VOTE in every election. You have a right and duty to participate in your government. You have the right to expect good government but you also have the responsibility to work to make it good by voting and participating whatever way you can. When you see a problem, it is your responsibility to say something via phone, letter, email or a visit to your representative or you can gather neighbors to make a difference about a local issue. Your activism has the power to make your community, city, state and country better or not.