Duties / Responsibilities

be informed

As a citizen, you have a responsibility to know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinions on matters you feel strongly about. To learn about issues and leaders, you can read books, newspapers, and magazines. You can listen to the news on radio and television and talk with your teachers, family, and friends.You can also find useful information on the Internet. Being informed includes knowing your rights.

Obey Laws

Duties

respects diversity

In a democratic society like ours, with such a diverse population, it is especially important to respect the civil liberties of others. Although you may disagree with people or disapprove of their lifestyles, they have an equal right to their beliefs and practices. 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.

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 other people and to improve community life for everyone.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.

respect others rights

To enjoy your rights to the fullest, you must be prepared to respect other people's rights as well. Citizens also have a responsibility to show respect for public property and for the property of others. Many of our laws have been enacted to encourage people to respect others' rights.

speak up and vote

You must make your concerns known, however, if you expect public officials to act in your interests. Call, write, or send e-mail to your elected representatives. Join a political party or a group working for a particular cause. Above all, vote. Voting is one of a citizen's most important rights and responsibilities. By electing political leaders and voting for or against proposed measures, Americans give their consent to the government.

Most states require young people to attend school until age 16. This benefits both you and the government because you need knowledge and skills to make wise decisions, and our democratic system of government needs informed citizens to operate well.

attend school

In the United States, all men aged 18 through 25 are required to register with the government in case the country needs to draft, or call up, men for military service. Since the end of the Vietnam War, there has been no draft, and America's military has been made up of volunteers. Nevertheless, the government has the authority to use the draft if the country should suddenly have to go to war.

defend the nation

Pay Taxes

duties

attend school

duties

defend the nation

duties

serve in court

duties

Following the law is a citizen's most important duty. Our laws are designed for specific purposes—to help people get along, to prevent accidents, to see that resources are used fairly, and so on. If we do not obey the law, then governments cannot maintain order or protect our health, safety, and property.

obey laws

Taxes pay for the government's activities. Without them, the federal government could not pay its employees, maintain armed forces to defend the country, and help those in need.

pay taxes

Contribute to the Common Good

responsibilities

be informed

responsibilities

respect diversity

responsibilities

respect others rights

responsibilities

speak up and vote

responsibilities

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.

serve in court