welcome to the pursuit of history in this episode we'll be discussing a fundamental topic in a study of civics the duties and responsibilities of American citizens a citizen is a member of a country who is loyal to the government of that country citizens have rights and it's the government's responsibility to protect those rights as American citizens live out their day-to-day lives in their communities they have duties and responsibilities that benefit their society a duty is an action people are required to perform a responsibility is an action people should perform to help their communities in the
United States duties include obeying the law paying taxes defending the nation serving in court and attending school let's dive into each one of those duties in more depth obeying the law laws are created to keep citizens safe and to keep order in society by obeying laws citizens contribute to the peace safety and order of their community for example laws state that cars must stop at red lights following that law is important because it helps prevent accidents and keeps traffic patterns running smoothly paying taxes let's face it tax season doesn't have the best reputation you'll often
hear people complaining about paying their taxes and lament how their tax dollars are being used so what exactly are taxes a tax is money that people are required to pay generally speaking the more money a person makes from their job each year the more taxes they pay taxes are a complicated subject but their purpose is important citizens pay taxes to support government projects that directly benefit them they are used to pay for road repairs government workers schools and more defending the nation citizens have a duty to protect their country defending the nation is an important
duty because it keeps citizens safe some citizens volunteer to serve in the US Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps and Coast Guard additionally all male citizens from age 18 to 25 must register with a Selective Service System this means that if there is a war that requires more military personnel that are currently serving these men can be drafted into the war if drafted it is their duty to serve in defense of the country serve in court according to the Bill of Rights American citizens have rights to protect them in civil and criminal cases this includes
the right to due process a fair and speedy trial the right to counsel and the right to a jury trial citizens have a duty to service jurors in the court system jurors have the responsibility of listening to court cases and making informed decisions attending school even kids have duties many states require that kids attend school from the ages of 7 to 16 States provide free education to students through the public school system schools prepare students for their future workplace environments and teaches them how to collaborate with others and how to solve problems now on to
the responsibilities of citizens citizens have four major responsibilities be informed and vote respect the rights and property of others participate in their government and community and respect the opinions of others be informed and vote citizens over the age of 18 aren't required to vote however their vote matters and their decisions affect government every citizen has the responsibility to learn about the issues and candidates they're voting on and make informed decisions at the ballot box respect the property of others respecting the property and rights of others is another important responsibility of citizenship everyone has a right
to own property and to expect others to respect that right this creates a peaceful Society [Music] participate in your community and government people can contribute to their community and government through volunteer work helping others makes a society run smoothly citizens have the responsibility to help out when and where they can giving your time to an organization religious institution or government can make a real difference in the lives of people in your community this brings us to the last responsibility of American citizens respect different opinions citizens have the responsibility to listen to the opinions of others
and respect those viewpoints even if they don't agree with them this respect can lead to productive debates new compromises and a community that stands United in a common purpose despite differences of opinion well there you have it the duties and responsibilities of American citizens the next time you find yourself walking around your community take note of all the ways your fellow citizens are doing their part to contribute to the good of all [Music]
