Chapter Five Section One
The Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship
A Citizen’s Legal Duties
What community do you live in? Is it the town that our school is located in? Is it the county? What is your community? When our great grandparents were your age, they basically thought of the little town or group of neighboring farms where they lived as their community. You are part of several communities, the neighborhood in which you live, the school where you attend, the church or religious group you may be a part of, the state, the nation. Did you ever consider that you are also part of the global community, even much more so today as we have so heavily connected to others electronically.
What community do you live in? Is it the town that our school is located in? Is it the county? What is your community? When our great grandparents were your age, they basically thought of the little town or group of neighboring farms where they lived as their community. You are part of several communities, the neighborhood in which you live, the school where you attend, the church or religious group you may be a part of, the state, the nation. Did you ever consider that you are also part of the global community, even much more so today as we have so heavily connected to others electronically.
It is important for all of us that our community is safe and successful. Many of what used to be small towns around us were once thriving centers of living. It was easy to understand why great grandpa saw this as his community because everything he needed was there, grocery stores, clothing stores, places to work. Now they are a distant memory and a dusty gravel road. For our hometowns to continue safely and successfully we all have certain responsibilities to fulfill. Responsibilities are things we should do, they are obligations that we fulfill voluntarily. Americans also have legal duties that we are required to perform. Duties are things that we must do.
Every level of government (national, state, local) requires Americans to perform certain duties as established by law. If we don’t, then we are going to face legal penalties, such as fines or going to jail. Accepting all of these responsibilities and duties helps us to strengthen our communities and help secure our rights. Some countries require their citizens to perform many duties, like serving a length of time in the military. The United States doesn’t expect the same level of duties from its people, but it does require us to certain ones.
Obey Laws
The most important duty of an American citizen is to follow the law. Laws are designed to help people get along, to prevent accidents, to see that resources are used fairly, and so forth. If the citizens do not obey the law, then the government cannot maintain order and protect our health, safety, and property. Obeying the law helps to keep us safe and secure as is expressed in the Preamble of the Constitution.
The most important duty of an American citizen is to follow the law. Laws are designed to help people get along, to prevent accidents, to see that resources are used fairly, and so forth. If the citizens do not obey the law, then the government cannot maintain order and protect our health, safety, and property. Obeying the law helps to keep us safe and secure as is expressed in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Pay Taxes
There is an old saying “The only things that go on and on are death and taxes.” The meaning behind this phrase is that there is always going to be taxes to be paid. Many people get frustrated about paying taxes, but taxes are important. They pay for the work of the government. Without the income from taxes, the federal government could not pay its employees, maintain armed forces to defend our country, or help those in need. Taxes allow your local government to hire police officers and firefighters. Taxes give the state money to create and maintain roads and maintain prisons. When the United States was first created under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had no power to tax the citizens. Because of that, they had no money to maintain the military or even pay those that worked for the government. The Constitution provides legal grounds for the government to collect taxes.
There is an old saying “The only things that go on and on are death and taxes.” The meaning behind this phrase is that there is always going to be taxes to be paid. Many people get frustrated about paying taxes, but taxes are important. They pay for the work of the government. Without the income from taxes, the federal government could not pay its employees, maintain armed forces to defend our country, or help those in need. Taxes allow your local government to hire police officers and firefighters. Taxes give the state money to create and maintain roads and maintain prisons. When the United States was first created under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had no power to tax the citizens. Because of that, they had no money to maintain the military or even pay those that worked for the government. The Constitution provides legal grounds for the government to collect taxes.
There are as many different taxes as there are ways to pay them. The federal government and many states, such as Missouri, as well as counties and cities, collect income taxes (a percentage of what a person earns) and sales taxes on goods and services. Most local governments collect taxes on the residential and commercial property within school districts. Your parents pay a yearly tax on property that they own, such as vehicles, homes, farms, etc. This money provides operating funds for local roads, schools, ambulance service, the public library, and more. Without these taxes we wouldn’t have our schools, free books for loan, ambulances to treat us in emergencies or the roads for the ambulances to travel on.
Defend the Nation
At one time many high school senior boys were concerned about where they would be spending their next year. Would they be serving in one of the branches of the military even if they didn’t want to? The United States practiced conscription, or a military draft, that required all 18 year old males to report for service in the military. Many countries have a draft still, although Israel is the only country to draft females. The United States ended the draft at the end of the Vietnam War in the early 1970s, but all men 18 through 25 years old are still required to register with the Selective Service, an office in the government, to be on a list in case there would be a need for a draft again.
At one time many high school senior boys were concerned about where they would be spending their next year. Would they be serving in one of the branches of the military even if they didn’t want to? The United States practiced conscription, or a military draft, that required all 18 year old males to report for service in the military. Many countries have a draft still, although Israel is the only country to draft females. The United States ended the draft at the end of the Vietnam War in the early 1970s, but all men 18 through 25 years old are still required to register with the Selective Service, an office in the government, to be on a list in case there would be a need for a draft again.
The modern American military is a volunteer army with men and women both enlisting by choice to service the nation in this fashion. The various branches of military serve our country at home and abroad, protecting American citizens and property from attack or natural harm.
Serve in Court
In criminal cases and most civil matters, the Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury. To ensure this, every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury. People can be excused from jury duty if they have a good reason, but service is usually rewarding. People involved in court cases depend on their fellow citizens to reach a fair verdict or outcome. Another duty of citizens is to serve as witnesses at a trial if called to do so.
In criminal cases and most civil matters, the Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury. To ensure this, every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury. People can be excused from jury duty if they have a good reason, but service is usually rewarding. People involved in court cases depend on their fellow citizens to reach a fair verdict or outcome. Another duty of citizens is to serve as witnesses at a trial if called to do so.
Attend School
Many states require young people to attend school until they reach 16 years of age. This benefits both the student and the government because you need knowledge and skills to make wise decisions in life, and our democratic system of government needs informed citizens to operate properly. In school you not only gain an understanding of history, government, and other important subjects, but you also learn to think through problems, form opinions, properly interact with others, and express your views clearly.
Many states require young people to attend school until they reach 16 years of age. This benefits both the student and the government because you need knowledge and skills to make wise decisions in life, and our democratic system of government needs informed citizens to operate properly. In school you not only gain an understanding of history, government, and other important subjects, but you also learn to think through problems, form opinions, properly interact with others, and express your views clearly.
Civic Responsibilities
Several responsibilities of citizenship are voluntary obligations instead of legal duties. You won’t be arrested or punished if you don’t do them. But if you do fulfill them, you will help our democracy flourish and reap personal benefits in the process.
Several responsibilities of citizenship are voluntary obligations instead of legal duties. You won’t be arrested or punished if you don’t do them. But if you do fulfill them, you will help our democracy flourish and reap personal benefits in the process.
Be Informed
What is actually going on in the government? Do you know who your elected officials are? It is important to be informed. Every day members of government make decisions that will affect your life. Laws may be passed that deal with what classes you must take to graduate high school or what requirements there are to get a driver’s license in our state. As a citizen, you have the responsibility to know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinions on matters that are important to you.
What is actually going on in the government? Do you know who your elected officials are? It is important to be informed. Every day members of government make decisions that will affect your life. Laws may be passed that deal with what classes you must take to graduate high school or what requirements there are to get a driver’s license in our state. As a citizen, you have the responsibility to know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinions on matters that are important to you.
To learn about issues and leaders, you can read printed materials or check out various websites. You can listen to the news on television or the radio and talk with your teachers, family, and friends. Being informed includes knowing your rights. People accused of crimes have the right to be represented by a lawyer. If people were unaware of this right they might not receive a fair trial.
Speak Up and Vote
The Founders of the United States set up a government based on the principle of popular sovereignty, or “consent of the governed.” You are the source of governmental power, the people give any power that the government has to this body of individuals. Because of that granting of power, the government exists to serve you. Don’t expect the government to read your mind, though. Any concerns that you may have must be made known if you want the government to act in your interest. There are many ways you can make those concerns known; calling elected officials, writing them, or sending them an email. Join a political party or a group working for a specific cause. Most importantly, though, when you turn eighteen, you should register to vote and then do so.
The Founders of the United States set up a government based on the principle of popular sovereignty, or “consent of the governed.” You are the source of governmental power, the people give any power that the government has to this body of individuals. Because of that granting of power, the government exists to serve you. Don’t expect the government to read your mind, though. Any concerns that you may have must be made known if you want the government to act in your interest. There are many ways you can make those concerns known; calling elected officials, writing them, or sending them an email. Join a political party or a group working for a specific cause. Most importantly, though, when you turn eighteen, you should register to vote and then do so.
Voting is one of our most important rights and responsibilities. It is through voting that we give government its power. By electing politicians and voting for or against proposed measures, you give your consent to the government.
How do you decide who or for what to vote for? Study the candidates and issues carefully before making your decisions at the polling place. Regularly check on what elected officials are doing. If an official falls short in performance, it is up to us to choose someone else in the next election. Voting responsibly ensures that leadership is changed in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Respect Other’s Rights
You are not the only one who matters. More than 146 million Americans are registered voters and many take that task seriously. Of that 146 million, there are Christians, Buddhist, Muslims, Atheists. There are Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Whites, and more. That entire number does not have the same views and opinions on everything in American life. Does that mean that some are right and some are wrong or does it simply mean that everyone is an individual with individual rights?
You are not the only one who matters. More than 146 million Americans are registered voters and many take that task seriously. Of that 146 million, there are Christians, Buddhist, Muslims, Atheists. There are Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Whites, and more. That entire number does not have the same views and opinions on everything in American life. Does that mean that some are right and some are wrong or does it simply mean that everyone is an individual with individual rights?
To enjoy your rights to the fullest, you must be prepared to respect other’s rights as well. Let’s say that you own a pit bull or a King Cobra snake. You may have legal rights to have either of these animals as a pet but you also have an obligation to keep the pet from being a nuisance to your neighbors. If you have next door neighbors who work early mornings and go to bed early, you should not play loud music and have a rowdy party on your patio at 10 o’clock at night.
Citizens have the responsibility to show respect for public property and for the property of others. Some might claim that “no one gets hurt” when they litter out the window of a car yet such public property as the roadway belongs to all of us and we all pay if it is damaged.
Vandalism and littering are more than disrespectful acts; they are punishable crimes. Many of our laws have been created to encourage people to respect others’ rights. If you have a party that gets out of hand, you could be arrested for disturbing the peace.
Respect Diversity
Like mentioned in the last section, it is important to respect the civil liberties of others. You may disagree with someone or not approve of their lifestyle, but they have an equal right to their beliefs and practices the same as you. Respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences, are called tolerance. Treating others politely and respectfully is thus part of being a good citizen. One of America’s strengths has always been the diversity of its people.
Like mentioned in the last section, it is important to respect the civil liberties of others. You may disagree with someone or not approve of their lifestyle, but they have an equal right to their beliefs and practices the same as you. Respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences, are called tolerance. Treating others politely and respectfully is thus part of being a good citizen. One of America’s strengths has always been the diversity of its people.
Immigrants have brought a variety of religions, traditions, and lifestyles to America and they continue to do so. As citizens, we have a responsibility to respect the practices and traditions of others when they are different from our own, just as we expect them to respect our own differences. There are no degrees of citizenship in the United States. All citizens are equal and entitled to be treated the same.
Contribute to the Common Good
Responsible citizens care about others as well as themselves. They are willing to contribute time, effort, and money to help others and to improve community life for everyone.
Responsible citizens care about others as well as themselves. They are willing to contribute time, effort, and money to help others and to improve community life for everyone.
Think about what your community would be like if no one donated to charities, volunteered in community projects o other events. What if no one even spoke out about community problems? Communities and governments need people to participate. All American citizens must be active participants and not just idle bystanders if we want our communities to thrive.