Citizenship is the state of being a member of a nation, either by birth or naturalization. Good citizenship involves both rights and responsibilities.” -U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services We are all citizens of somewhere. And, as citizens, we have both rights and responsibilities.
It is our responsibility to uphold the laws of our nation and to contribute to the well-being of our community.
There really are an endless number of ways one could be a good citizen. However, here are just 10 basic things you can do to help make your community – and the world – a better place:
- Know your rights and responsibilities
Know your rights and responsibilities as a citizen. This includes understanding your right to vote, freedom of speech, and other basic rights afforded to you by your country’s Constitution or Bill of Rights. It also means knowing your duty to obey the law, pay taxes, serve on juries, etc.
- Get involved in your community
Get involved in your community. There are many ways to do this, whether it’s volunteering for a local organization or simply staying informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood. Getting involved helps make sure that your community is running smoothly and that everyone’s needs are being met.
- Be informed about laws and rules
Every country, city or state has their own rules and regulations. As a good citizen, knowing and obeying them is the most obvious and responsible thing to do. You should be informed about your area’s business laws, consumer laws or helmet law in alabama etc.
- Help make your community a better place
Help make your community a better place, through volunteering, donating to causes you care about, or simply by being a good neighbor.
- Obey the law
This seems pretty simple, but it’s actually one of the most important things you can do as a citizen. By following the rules and regulations set forth by your government, you help maintain order and keep society functioning smoothly.
- Pay your taxes
This is another way of obeying the law, but it’s worth mentioning separately because it’s so important. Taxes fund vital public services like education, infrastructure, and defense. So even though paying taxes may not be fun, it’s definitely necessary for keeping society running smoothly.
- Vote in elections
Voting is one of the most fundamental rights and responsibilities of citizenship. By casting your ballot, you help choose leaders who will make decisions on behalf of the entire community. So if you want to have a say in how your community is run, be sure to exercise your right to vote!
- Serve on a jury when called upon
Serve on a jury when called upon. If you’re ever selected to serve on a jury, it’s important to take this responsibility seriously. Jury duty may not be convenient or fun, but it’s an essential part of our justice system. And by serving on a jury, you play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone receives a fair trial.
