What are the Responsibilities of a Good Citizen?

(NationalUSNews.com) – In a world in chaos, being a role model for other US citizens is a noble goal. The US Constitution expects all its citizens, natural naturalized, or to comply with the local, state, and federal rules. Citizenship implies integrating an individual’s rights, duties, and privileges.

The US constitution protects the rights of each person regardless of their culture, religion, or background. While enjoying the freedoms, rights, and protections, the citizens have the responsibility to meet specific legal and social standards.

The primary benefits of a good citizen include:

Freedom of movement
Family reunification
Eligibility to vote
Protection from deportation

While US citizenship ascertains multiple rights, it involves numerous responsibilities. Responsibilities are comprised of both those required by the law (mandatory) and voluntary. These categories ensure that citizens identify their legal and social rights and can guarantee compliance.

Below are some of the responsibilities of a good citizen.

Mandatory Responsibilities

The US constitution is the framework of the legal requirements of a good US citizen. Our state and local municipalities further define more specific regulations we must all follow. The law requires specific civic duties to enhance the country’s philosophy. The mandatory responsibilities include:

Obeying the law: Every US citizen must abide by the local, state, and federal laws. US citizens who break the law understand they may face penalties that may include fines, jail time, or both.
Paying taxes: All US citizens must pay taxes in various forms per the law. The Constitution provides for the payment of local, state, federal, property, social security, and sales taxes. The taxes fund government projects such as roads, schools, fire and police protection, national defense, and Medicare.
Registering with the Selective Service: The Selective Service is a federal agency attached to the government’s executive branch. This unit resumes a draft required to determine the number of men to serve in the armed forces during a national emergency or war. According to federal law, male US citizens and non-citizens aged 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service. Failure to register can attract a fine of up to $250,000 upon prosecution or serve a 5-year jail term. Registration to the Selective Service gives you access to job training, student loans, naturalization, and state employability.

Serving on a jury upon summoning: Federal law states that all citizens and non-citizens have a right to trial by a jury consisting of a panel of their counterparts. As a citizen, you must appear upon summoning and testify under oath on information relating to a particular event.
Support and defend the American Constitution: As an American citizen, you must protect and defend the Constitution by complying with its provisions. It’ll ensure you’re fully subscribed to the country’s law and can guarantee proper citizenship.

Voluntary Responsibilities

The law encourages you to exercise the following voluntary duties as an American citizen.

Voting: You have a voluntary duty to participate in the US government through voting.
Remain informed: Remaining informed on the country’s social, economic, and political events is a voluntary requirement.
Societal participation: All Americans are encouraged to participate in community development programs. You can choose to transform the current communal well-being by offering knowledge and talent.
Exercising tolerance: Democracy generates diversity enabling you to protect and support others’ rights. This aspect also allows you to respect differences in opinions, cultures, ethnicity, and religions.
Pass on: It is a voluntary duty to transition the benefits of good citizenship to future generations. You can teach your kids how to remain informed, obey the law, participate in society, and vote.

Know Your Responsibilities Today

Understanding your mandatory and voluntary responsibilities as a US citizen is essential. These responsibilities make you a loyal citizen who understands the legal requirements at the local, state, and federal levels. Knowing what the law expects you to do as an American citizen shows you are responsible and loyal to the country and demonstrates your ongoing patriotism!