The founders assumed that free citizens would want to serve their community ... to the military. Did You Know? The draft
ou Can Do Y t a Wh for Your Country During his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to focus on civic duty. He said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Many young people rallied to this call. They joined the Peace Corps and other volunteer groups. Kennedy remembered how Americans supported the war effort during World War II. They sacrificed their time. They sacrificed their money. He wanted citizens to volunteer during times of peace, too. The Constitution does not define civic duty. Instead, the founding fathers were more concerned with the separation of powers of government. They also wanted to protect basic rights. The founders assumed that free citizens would want to serve their community and country. They wrote about the “right to vote,” not the duty or responsibility. They thought people would be eager to vote. They thought people would be willing to serve on a jury when needed. They thought that if people were given the freedom to speak and to write their opinions, to worship in their own ways, and to have equal rights in court, then they would be thankful and interested in contributing to society.
Did You Know?
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The basic assumptions of civic duty are that citizens will do the following: • vote in local, state, and • work (when able) and national elections contribute to society • serve on a jury when • care for their children and summoned* keep them safe* • obey the laws of their • support causes and community, state, organizations they believe in and country* by giving time and money • stay informed about • pay their required taxes* governmental actions and issues Volunteers give supplies * required by law and can have legal penalties if not obeyed to the military.
Other possible civic duties could include the following: • registering for the draft • starting and/or signing a petition • writing to a government official • serving in the military • joining a protest against an injustice • campaigning for a candidate • speaking at a public forum • writing a letter to a newspaper Some people say that Americans today are not as enthused about community service as past generations. They say that Americans have become lazy and selfish. Some think there is more focus on personal rights than civic duties. Other people believe that civic duty is alive and well in America. In fact, thousands of people rally to help victims of tragic events, such as the Boston Marathon attack. People help the victims of devastating hurricanes and tsunamis. And Americans’ level of volunteerism is one of the highest in the world. Times are different, but many Americans still feel the call to contribute to their country.
Did You Know?
Volunteers clean up their community.
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There are many ways to protest an injustice. You might hand out flyers, organize rallies, or start a petition.
