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USINFO Issue Update: Citizen Responsibilities - December 20, 2007

Narrator:
This a USINFO Issue update.

Healthy democracies require responsible citizens. But what are a citizen’s responsibilities?

Responsibility can be defined as a duty or obligation to do something. It also means that we have the ability to choose our actions, such as participating in a democratic community. Making the decision to participate is the first step in exercising your rights in a democracy.

In democratic societies, each citizen is responsible for his or her individual acts. Citizens should be a good example to others by serving their communities or protecting the environment. Being a responsible citizen means practicing three things:

Respect - for the rules and laws in society,
Knowledge - of issues and viewpoints of others, and
Participation – by voting and discussing issues with others.

In democracy, respect -- for the law and for the rights of fellow citizens -- is one part of a citizen’s responsibilities. All individuals are equal before the law, and laws must be respected and applied at all levels. Citizens also respect the institutions that make the laws. At another level, responsibility means respect for the opinions of other citizens. The idea of tolerance for different ideas is the foundation of a democratic community.

Successful democracies require their citizens be knowledgeable. People can be responsible only when they know and understand their rights under the constitution. Knowing how a government’s institutions function is also important. This means citizens understand how the law is enforced, so they can protect their rights. Citizens are responsible for expanding their knowledge through reading about local, national and international issues, and by participating in local discussions.

Political decisions affect the lives of individuals directly and indirectly. With knowledge and respect, citizens can make a difference in their communities through participation. One doesn’t have to run for public office to participate. Citizens can vote, sign petitions, attend local meetings, and contact elected officials to express their views. To achieve a just society, citizens must make a commitment to pursue democratic principles at all levels.

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