03 February 2010

Introduction

 

In Highland Park, Michigan, volunteers build a playground for children in a low-income neighborhood.

In Highland Park, Michigan, volunteers build a playground for children in a low-income neighborhood.

This article is excerpted from the book American Citizenship, published by the Bureau of International Information Programs. View the entire book (PDF, 4.57MB).

In the United States’ democracy, government exists to serve its citizens. Americans expect their government to protect their basic constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and religion, the right to equal protection under the law, and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

 

Citizens wait in line in San Francisco, California, to vote in the 2008 presidential election.

Citizens wait in line in San Francisco, California, to vote in the 2008 presidential election.

Other countries define their national identity — what it means to be a citizen of that country — primarily through common characteristics: ethnicity, origin, ancestry, religion, or history. But in these areas, there is little common ground among citizens of the United States. They — or their ancestors — come from every continent and every country around the world. What binds this diverse group of individuals together is the shared belief that individual liberty is the essential characteristic of free government.

U.S. citizens also recognize that they have a responsibility to their society if they are to enjoy the protection of their rights. Americans willingly, for the most part, live within the law, serve on juries when called upon, pay their fair share of taxes, and exercise their right to vote responsibly. Civic participation in the United States also means that citizens respect the rights of others, accept the authority of the elected government, and make an effort to be informed, involved, and invested in their communities and their nation.

President John F. Kennedy (1961–1963) offered another definition of citizenship when he said in his inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” During his brief administration, Kennedy inspired young Americans to join government programs that worked to fight poverty at home and abroad. Though an assassin cut short the Kennedy presidency after only one thousand days, the challenge of his inaugural speech continues to inspire Americans not only to ask — but to act — to help their country, their communities, and their world.

This book describes some of the activities and responsibilities that Americans take on voluntarily to be good citizens and to better their neighborhoods, communities, and states. Hundreds of thousands serve in positions in local and state government or engage in campaigns to promote particular candidates or issues. Tens of millions give their free time to volunteer in nonprofit organizations that work for a greater good or devote part of their income to a worthy cause. In thousands of ways, Americans contribute to their society and their country, understanding that citizenship is a privilege to be paid for over and over again.