CONCEPTS OF CITIZENSHIP

THE MEANING OF CITIZENSHIP

Ancient Concepts of Citizenship - Citizenship is being touted to have originated in Greece, which
originated from the concept of democracy.

In GREEKS - It was granted by birth together with a double affirmation, one by the mother, another by
the Assembly member. If the latter opposed it, the infant was killed

ARISTOTLE - defines citizenship as he who has the power to take part in the deliberative or judicial
administration of any state. Greeks enjoyed the privilege of being governed by democracy; their
government was made up of commoners, and they were allowed freedom of speech to a large extent
through public speaking rights

In ROMANS - developed on the concept of citizenship to distinguish their original citizens (Romans) from
the citizens of their conquests. Roman citizens enjoyed the right to vote, the right to serve in the civil
service and the right for military service. All who were born to Roman fathers, even if they had foreign
mothers, were acknowledged to be Roman citizens. Citizenship could also be granted by generals and
emperors. Expansion of the Roman Empire brought Roman citizenship to extend over the people of their
provinces as well. Those who lived in autonomous regions could claim citizenship, but still lacked the
right to vote.

MODERN CONCEPT OF CITIZENSHIP in a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

Is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, or national community? In a democracy, the
source of all authority -- the legitimate basis of all power -- is the collective body of the people, the
citizens of the polity. There is popular sovereignty of the citizens and thereby government by consent of
the governed. A citizen is a full and equal member of a polity, such as a democratic nation-state (Mouffe
1995, 217)

CRITERIA FOR CITIZENSHIP

In some states or countries, citizenship, the condition of being a citizen, is based on the place of a
person's birth, which is known as “jus soli” citizenship. 

In other places, the status of citizen is based on the citizenship of one's parents, which is known as “jus
sanguini” citizenship

Some countries use both bases for ascribing citizenship. Further, most democratic states have
established legal procedures by which people without a birthright to citizenship can become naturalized
citizens.

DUTIES OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

Paying taxes, serving in the country's armed forces when called upon, obeying laws enacted by one's
representatives in government.

Demonstrating commitment and loyalty to the democratic political community and state, constructively
criticizing the conditions of political and civic life, and Participating to improve the quality of political and
civic life.
HOW CITIZENS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR RIGHTS - Respect the rights of others. Defend their
own rights and the rights of others against those who would abuse them. Exercise their rights in order to
make democracy work.

HOW TO DEVELOP PARTICIPATORY SKILLS AND CIVIC DISPOSITIONS NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE AND
RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

Student participation in democratically conducted student organizations. School-based community

service that is connected systematically to the school's curriculum and classroom instruction.

Cooperative learning activities in which groups of students cooperate to pursue a common goal, such as
inquiring about a public issue or responding to a community problem

WAYS ON HOW PARENTS AND GUARDIANS CAN ENHANCE THE CHILD'S LEARNING OF CITIZENSHIP
RESPONSIBILITIES

Set a good example by participating in the political system and volunteering for community service
projects.  Show interest in civic affairs and government through initiation of conversations at dinner time
or in response to television pr orgasm about current events.

Require children to perform duties regularly at home as lessons in the value of contributing to the
common good of their family unit.  Encourage children to take part in community service projects, such
as neighborhood clean-up or beautification activities, re-cycling of materials to conserve natural
resources, and tutoring of younger children with learning problems.

Provide civic learning resources in the home--books, magazines, newspapers--and use them with
children.  Transmit and reinforce the civic values of our constitutional democracy through discussions,
exemplary behavior, and use of fair r ules for orderly family life. Monitor and reinforce at home lessons
in school about the responsibilities of citizenship.

Week 6 Activities:

Answer the following:

1. In your own understanding, define citizenship and its concept.

2. Is it your duty to participate as a citizen? Yes or no? Explain why.

3. Being a student, is it important to participate in the activities held in the community?

4. Identify a particular activity that you wish to engage in barangay, explain why?