The textbook definition of civic duty entails that civic duty is the responsibilities of a citizen. (civic duty) So naturally, civic duty is a citizen’s responsibilities towards their country. Civic responsibilities include paying taxes, voting, registering for military service, serving on a jury, and obeying the law. (Civics and Civic Responsibilities) Considering that the United States Government’s power comes solely from the citizens of the United States, the power is in our hands. Following the defeat of the Nazi Germany in 1945, the United States helped the Germans create and follow their own constitution, which was under the same template as the United States Constitution. A country who hasn’t had a Democracy for quite as long as many other countries, the United States has allowed its voter turnout to increase each and every year to come to an all-time-high in 2008 at 56.8%. The only other time it was higher than that was three separate times between 1960 and 1968 when the voter turnout was over 60%. (Duties of American Citizenship)
One of the important aspects of civic duty is jury duty, which should be a great honor in our society but unfortunately it has become a responsibility in which most Americans try to avoid. The Constitution entails that every person is guaranteed a fair trial with a jury made up of their fellow citizens. Another important aspect that is involved with civic duty is the imposition of taxes upon the citizens. Although taxes may seem like much of a burden to the citizens of the United States, but the money is used for various projects that make our lives easier. Paying taxes is a great way for each and every citizen to feel closer with their government. (Duties of American Citizenship)
The most important part of civic duty is the ability of each and every citizen to vote. The United States created its Democracy to allow citizens to have their voice heard in the government. By allowing every citizen to vote freely, it allows the citizens to have their voice in the government and therefore they can help in creating the rules for the government and they get to pick the things that they think are fair for their country. Other civic duties involved with this are each citizens duties to the constitution. We swear on an oath to follow the constitution and to protect it. During the Vietnam War, many men in the United States fled to avoid being drafted into the military. (Duties of American Citizenship)
One of the last most important civic responsibilities would be to volunteer and provide your service to your community. Volunteering is a great way to become one with your country and its people. Helping out in food banks with the homeless is a great way to see just how fortunate you are. Also, helping out in your church and getting close with the members of your community will also help to boost your civic responsibilities. Serving for things that are close to your heart is just one way to become a dutiful citizen.
"Civics and Civic Responsibilities." Civics Lessons and EL Civics Activities for ESL Students. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2010. <http://www.elcivics.com/civics_1>.
"Duties of American Citizenship: Responsibilities Include Voting, Jury Duty, and Paying Taxes." Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2010. <http://www.suite101.com/content/duties-of-american-citizenship-a162858>.
"civic duty - definition of civic duty by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary
N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2010. <http://www.thefreedictionary.com/civic+duty>.
