Malcolm Rivera
Citizenship comes with a set of rights and responsibilities, and while the original US Constitution says little about these, it is clear that citizens have a duty to uphold the ideals set out in the document. Citizens are expected to be engaged and informed, to vote, to pay taxes, and to serve on juries. Citizenship is also about serving one's community and country, and this can take many forms, from volunteering to campaigning for political office. In the US, citizens are expected to defend the Constitution and laws of the country, be loyal to it, and serve in the military if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paying taxes | Paying taxes is a civic duty and is required by both federal law and the Constitution. |
| Jury duty | Citizens are guaranteed a right to trial by jury and play an important role in the justice system. |
| Voting | Registering to vote and voting in elections is an important part of being an engaged citizen. |
| Serving the country | Citizens may be required to serve the country, including with military service. |
| Loyalty | Citizens must give up loyalty to their previous country and be loyal to the U.S. |
| Obeying the law | Citizens must obey federal, state, and local laws. |
| Staying informed | Being aware of current events and community issues is crucial for responsible citizenship. |
| Volunteering and community service | Serving the community through volunteering and using one's talents and skills is an important duty. |
| Encouraging participation | Encouraging friends, family, and community members to be involved in civic life is a responsibility of citizens. |
| Understanding government | Citizens should understand how the government works to effectively influence policy and engage in politics. |
| Personal responsibility | Citizens are responsible for their own welfare, the care of their family members, and the security and prosperity of their community. |
| Moral responsibility | Citizens have duties toward a Creator and toward other members of society, and the government must recognize moral law. |
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What You'll Learn
Paying taxes
The US Constitution outlines the duty of citizens to pay taxes. The Taxing Clause in Article I grants Congress the authority to "lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imports, and Excises." This power is essential for the government to function and fulfill its responsibilities, such as providing protection and services to citizens.
The interpretation of the Taxing Clause has been a subject of discussion among constitutional scholars. It is clear that this power has limitations and must respect citizens' individual rights. For instance, the government cannot tax citizens solely for expressing criticism of the federal government, as this would violate the Free Speech Clause.
The Supreme Court has played a role in interpreting the Taxing Clause. In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Court suggested that citizens could hold politicians accountable through the political process if they disagreed with how taxes were imposed. Additionally, the Court indicated that courts might enforce limits on the Taxing Clause, particularly when monetary payments are imposed to regulate behavior rather than generate revenue.
The Sixteenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, further solidified the federal government's power to levy income taxes. This amendment shifted the way the government received funding, making it more centralized. While there have been legal challenges to the constitutionality of the Sixteenth Amendment and income taxes, courts have consistently upheld their validity.
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Serving on a jury
When serving on a jury, individuals listen to testimony, review evidence, and render decisions in civil and criminal trials. In a civil case, the jury decides on issues of fact in disputes over matters such as property rights, contract rights, and damages for personal injury. In a criminal case, the individuals who serve on juries are relied upon for the protection of life, liberty, and property. The most important function of a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at the trial and decide the facts of the case in accordance with the principles of the law as explained by the judge.
The founding fathers believed that the right to be tried by a jury of one's peers was so important that it was included in the Constitution. All persons accused of a crime or involved in a civil dispute have a constitutional right to have a jury decide their cases. This belief in the importance of jury trials is rooted in the moral and religious convictions that underpin American society. Citizens have a duty to their fellow citizens and to uphold a moral order ordained by divine wisdom.
In addition to serving on a jury, there are other ways citizens can engage with the justice system and perform their civic duties. This includes staying informed about current events and knowing what is happening in their community. Citizens can also serve their community through volunteering and encourage others to be involved. Voting and registering to vote are also important parts of civic engagement.
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Voting
However, it is worth noting that the Constitution has been amended several times to expand and protect voting rights for different groups of citizens. For example, the 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote in 1870, the 19th Amendment extended voting rights to women in 1920, and the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18 for all citizens. These amendments were added to the Constitution to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
While voting is not compulsory in the United States, it is often viewed as a civic responsibility or duty by many. Proponents of compulsory voting argue that higher voter turnout leads to more legitimate governments and that voting can have an educational effect on citizens. Additionally, they contend that if democracy is government by the people, then it is the responsibility of all citizens to elect their representatives. However, opponents of compulsory voting argue that it infringes on the freedom associated with democratic elections and may discourage political engagement.
In some countries, voting is mandatory and enforced through sanctions for non-voters. Examples include Belgium, which implemented mandatory voting in 1892, Argentina in 1914, and Australia in 1924. However, the effectiveness of compulsory voting laws can vary, and some countries may choose not to enforce them strictly due to complexity and resource constraints.
In conclusion, while voting is not explicitly mentioned as a duty in the US Constitution, it is widely considered a civic responsibility. The Constitution has been amended to expand voting rights, ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to participate in elections. Whether or not voting should be compulsory remains a subject of debate, with valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the decision to vote is left to individual citizens, who are encouraged to exercise their right to shape the direction of the country through their elected representatives.
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Staying informed
Read, Watch, and Listen to Credible News Sources:
Keep yourself informed by following reputable news outlets and media organisations. Stay up to date with current affairs, both locally and nationally. Seek out diverse perspectives to gain a well-rounded understanding of the issues. Remember to be cautious of biased or misleading information and always fact-check the content you consume.
Understand How Your Government Works:
Take the time to learn about the structure and functions of your government. Educate yourself on the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and how they interact. Understand the law-making process, from the proposal of bills to their enactment. Know your representatives and the decisions they make on your behalf. Websites like the Tennessee Blue Book can be a great resource for understanding state government.
Participate in Political Discussions:
Engage in conversations about politics and current events with your friends, family, and community members. Encourage open dialogue and respect differing opinions. By discussing issues, you can gain new perspectives, share knowledge, and foster a sense of civic engagement among your peers. Remember to respect different beliefs, opinions, and lifestyles to create a more inclusive and stronger community.
Attend Community Meetings and Events:
Stay connected with your local community by attending town hall meetings, neighbourhood gatherings, and public forums. These events provide valuable insights into the issues and decisions that directly impact your community. They also offer opportunities to have your voice heard and contribute to local decision-making processes.
Utilise Online Resources:
Take advantage of online tools and resources provided by government websites and non-profit organisations. For example, the civics website of Tennessee offers resources and tools to learn more about government and civic engagement. Additionally, social media campaigns like #GoVoteTN can be a way to encourage voter registration and participation.
Educate Yourself on the Constitution and Your Rights:
Familiarise yourself with the Constitution, the supreme law of the land. Understand the rights and freedoms it guarantees to all citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. Know your rights as a citizen, including the right to a fair trial, equal protection under the law, and due process. The Constitution also outlines the responsibilities of citizens, such as paying taxes, serving jury duty when summoned, and registering for selective service (for eligible males).
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Volunteering and community service
Volunteering is a form of civic responsibility, where individuals offer their time or labour without expecting monetary compensation. It is an opportunity for citizens to share their skills and talents and help those in need. Volunteering allows individuals to engage with their communities, fostering a sense of social participation and collective responsibility. This engagement can take various forms, such as participating in government, church, or voluntary associations.
Community service, on the other hand, is distinct from volunteering as it may not always be performed voluntarily. It is often required by governments or schools as a civic duty. For example, some countries mandate community service as part of citizenship requirements or as an alternative to military service. In educational contexts, students may need to fulfil community service hours to graduate from high school, promoting a sense of civic responsibility from a young age.
The motivation to volunteer is influenced by cultural values, societal expectations, and personal traits. Research has shown that factors like personality, religiosity, and organisational settings play a role in fostering long-term volunteerism. For instance, individuals with a strong sense of religious awareness may feel a duty to their community and, by extension, to their country. This sense of duty, combined with patriotism, can inspire citizens to labour and sacrifice for the common good.
In conclusion, volunteering and community service are essential duties of citizens, promoting civic engagement and social responsibility. While community service may be mandated, volunteering is a choice driven by personal and cultural factors. Both activities contribute to the betterment of communities and the nation, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. By engaging in these activities, citizens actively participate in shaping their society and upholding democratic values.
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