Responsibilities of Citizens
Citizens of the U.S. have the opportunity and
the responsibility to participate in their government. This process
of self-government insures that power will always remain where it belongs
- with the people.
- The most
important right citizens have is the right to vote. By voting,
the people have a voice in the government. The people decide who will
represent them in the government. Officials can be voted in or out
of office. Every persons vote counts the same as another persons
vote.
The right to vote is a duty or responsibility
as well as a privilege. It is important for all citizens to vote in
every election to make sure that the democratic, representative system
of government is maintained. Persons who do not vote lose their voice
in the government. Before voting in an election, each citizen should
be well informed about the issues and candidates.
- The government may
call upon citizens to serve on a jury. If an individual is
chosen for jury duty, he or she must stop work and attend the trial
as long as he or she is needed. The members of the jury need to decide
the case in as fair a way as they can.
- Men can be asked to serve in the armed
forces. During times of war, any man who is physically able
can be called upon to fight for the U.S. In peaceful times, there
can be a draft or men and women can enlist voluntarily.
Every person is expected to obey the laws of the
community, state and country in which he or she lives. All Americans
are expected to respect the rights of others. All persons living in
the U.S. are expected to pay the income taxes and other taxes honestly
and on time.
To be responsible members of their communities,
citizens can volunteer their services to help obtain needed improvements.
Citizens can offer their knowledge and talents to different local organizations
or committees. Participation in town meetings, public hearing and community
projects is important for community improvement and for finding out
the problems that need to be solved.
To learn more, choose from the
following:
|
|
|