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9. The responsibilities of citizenship

When it comes to what it takes to be a good citizen, the public has a long list of traits and behaviors that it says are important. And there’s a fair amount of agreement across groups about what it takes to be a good citizen.

Still, there are differences when it comes to which aspects are considered very important (as opposed to somewhat important), and points of emphasis differ by party identification as well as by age.

Overall, 91% say it is either very (74%) or somewhat (17%) important to vote in elections in order to be a good citizen; just 8% say this is not too or not at all important.

Large shares also say it is important to pay all the taxes you owe (92%) and to always follow the law (96%), including about seven-in-ten who say each is very important (71% and 69%, respectively).

For several other traits and behaviors, about nine-in-ten say they are at least somewhat important to good citizenship. However, the share saying each is very important varies significantly. For example, 89% say it’s important to serve jury duty if called, including 61% who say this is very important. While a comparable 90% say it’s important to follow what’s happening in government and politics as part of good citizenship, a smaller share (49%) says this very important.

Protesting government actions you think are wrong and knowing the Pledge of Allegiance are considered important parts of what it means to be a good citizen, though they rank somewhat lower on the public’s list. Displaying the American flag ranks last among the 11 items tested in the survey. Still, a majority says this is either a very (36%) or somewhat (26%) important part of what it means to be a good citizen.

Republicans and Democrats largely agree on the importance of most responsibilities of citizenship.

About three-quarters of Republicans and Republican leaners (76%) and Democrats and Democratic leaners (75%) say it’s very important to vote in elections.

Similarly, comparable majorities of Republicans and Democrats say it’s very important to pay all the taxes you owe, serve jury duty if called, respect the opinions of those you disagree with and participate in the census. There also are no partisan divides over the importance of volunteering to help others and following what’s going on in government and politics.

However, Republicans (79%) are more likely than Democrats (61%) to say it’s very important to always follow the law to be a good citizen.

Knowing the Pledge of Allegiance ranks higher on Republicans’ list (71% say it’s very important) than Democrats’ (just 34% say it’s very important). In addition to placing greater importance on the Pledge of Allegiance, Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to say it is very important to display the American flag (50% vs. 25%).

By contrast, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to think it is very important to protest if government actions are believed to be wrong: About half of Democrats (52%) this is very important to what it means to be a good citizen, compared with just about a third (35%) of Republicans.

Partisans and ‘leaners’ differ over importance of aspects of citizenship

On many items, the views of independents that lean toward one of the two major parties diverge from those of self-identifying Republicans and Democrats. In general, partisan leaners tend to be less likely than straight Republicans and Democrats to view a range of responsibilities as important to what it means to be a good citizen.

Overall, 83% of Republicans say voting in elections is a very important aspect of being a good citizen, compared with a smaller majority of Republican leaners (67%). There is an even wider 28-point gap between the share of Democrats (86%) and Democratic leaners (58%) who say this is very important.

Similarly, roughly two-thirds of both Republicans (64%) and Democrats (68%) say participating in the U.S. census every 10 years is very important to being a good citizen; slightly fewer Republican leaners (55%) and Democratic leaners (53%) say the same.

This pattern is seen across other items as well: Those who identify with a party are more likely than independents who lean to a party to say it is very important to serve jury duty if called, pay all owed taxes and to follow what is happening in government.

While large shares of Republicans (96%) and Republican leaners (87%) say it is important to know the Pledge of Allegiance, Republican identifiers are somewhat more likely than leaners to say this is very important to good citizenship.

By comparison, smaller majorities of Democrats (67%) and Democratic leaners (60%) say it’s important to know the pledge. Self-identifying Democrats (42%) are significantly more likely to say knowing the pledge is a very important part of good citizenship than Democratic leaners (24%).

There is a 22-point gap between the share of Republicans (90%) and Republican leaners (68%) who say displaying the American flag is at least somewhat important to being a good citizen. And 63% of Republicans call this very important, compared with 35% of Republican leaners. About half of Democrats (52%) think this is a very or somewhat important aspect of good citizenship; 43% of Democratic leaners say the same.

In contrast to the patterns seen on many items, Republican leaners (81%) are more likely than Republicans (66%) to say protesting government actions you think are wrong is an important part of being a good citizen. The views of Republican leaners place them closer to those of Democrats and Democratic leaners in terms of the overall importance they place on this aspect of citizenship.

Age differences in views of the responsibilities of citizenship

Young adults place less importance on many aspects of citizenship than older adults, especially when it comes to the share that describes a trait or behavior as very important for being a good citizen.

Majorities of adults across all ages say it is very important to vote in elections in order to be a good citizen. Still, a smaller majority of those under 30 say this (56%), compared with larger shares of those ages 30 to 49 (72%), 50 to 64 (76%) and 65 and older (92%).

And while fully 81% of those 65 and older say that to be a good citizen it is very important to serve jury duty if called, just about half (47%) of those under 30 say the same.

On other items, the pattern is similar. Young adults are less likely to call paying the taxes you owe, following the law, participating in the census, and following government and politics very important. Still, large majorities of young adults say each of these is at least somewhat important to being a good citizen.

There is no meaningful age gap in views of the importance of protesting government actions you think are wrong. Overall, 85% of those ages 18 to 29 say this is either very (45%) or somewhat (40%) important to being a good citizen. Views among those ages 65 and older are similar (50% very important, 36% somewhat important).

Displaying the American flag and knowing the Pledge of Allegiance do not rank particularly highly for young adults on their list of important characteristics for good citizenship. Among those ages 18 to 29, 63% say it is important to know the Pledge of Allegiance (38% very important) and 53% say it is important to display the American flag (19% very important). These items do not top the list of older adults either, though those 65 and older are more likely than the youngest adults to say both are important parts of being a good citizen.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Global Citizen — The Importance of Being an Active and Responsible Citizen

The Importance of Being an Active and Responsible Citizen

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Published: Mar 6, 2024

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Defining good citizenship, importance of good citizenship, role of college students in shaping communities.

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The Responsibility Of Citizens

"Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, judges and  governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature."  

- Thomas Jefferson (Letter to Edward Carrington January 16, 1787)

Background and original intent.

"Need I infer, that it is the duty of every citizen to use his best and most unremitting endeavours for preserving it [the Constitution] pure, healthful, and vigorous? For the accomplishment of this great purpose, the exertions of no one citizen are unimportant. Let no one, therefore harbour, for a moment, the mean idea, that he is and can be of no value to his country: let the contrary manly impres­sion animate his soul. Every one can, at many times, perform, to the state, useful services; and he, who steadily pursues the road of patriotism, has the most inviting prospect of being able, at some times, to perform eminent ones."

Wilson's argument is quite as sound now as it was two centuries ago. The success of the American Republic as a political structure has been the consequence, in a very large part, of the voluntary participation of citizens in public affairs - enlisting in the army in time of war; serving on school boards; taking part unpaid in political campaigns; petitioning legislatures; sup­porting the President in an hour of crisis; and in a hundred other great ways, or small-assuming responsibility for the com­mon good. The Constitution has functioned well, most of the time, because conscientious men and women have given it flesh.

The Premises of Americans' Responsibility Under the Constitution of 1787

• The Framers' first assumption was that all just authority for government comes from the people, under God; not from a monarch or a governing class, but from the innumerable citizens who make up the public. The people delegate to government only so much power as they think it prudent for government to exercise. Government is the people's creation, not their master. Thus, if the people are sovereign, it is the citizens' responsibility to take upon their shoulders the task of seeing that order, justice, and freedom are maintained.
• The Framers' second assumption was that American citizens would undertake responsibility for the ordinary functioning of the civil social order and that local communities would manage their own affairs. Under their system, the roles of the various levels of government would be minimal and would not unnecessarily intrude into the day-to-day lives of the citizens.
• America's citizens, most of them, have believed in a moral order ordained by divine wisdom; and so they have assumed moral responsibilities, including personal responsibility for constitutional government. The more thoughtful citizens have seen society as primarily moral in origin: a community of souls. Behind the outward forms of American political structure lie the old convictions that citizens have duties toward a Creator and toward other members of the society, and that a just government must recognize moral law.
• In family, church, and school, until the middle of the twentieth century, the rising generation of Americans were taught that they must be personally responsible for their own welfare, for the care of their aging family members, for the security and prosperity of their community, for their patrimony of order and justice and freedom, A sense of responsibility is developed by severe lessons, by private risk and accountability, by a humane education, by religious understanding, by knowledge of the past. Once upon a time, this sense of responsibility was diffused throughout the American nation. If it drains away, the consequences will be dreary.

A republic whose citizens - whose leaders, indeed - are concerned chiefly with "looking out for Number One," and ig­noring their responsibilities of citizenship, soon cannot "insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare" - or carry on the other major duties of the state. When the crisis comes, the people may turn in desperation to the hero-administrator, the misty figure somewhere at the summit. But in the end, that hero-­administrator will not save the republic, although he may govern for a time by force. A democratic republic cannot long endure unless a great many of its citizens stand ready and will­ing to brighten the corner where they are, and to sacrifice much for the nation, if need be.

Has The Consciousness of Responsibility Withered in America?

"... closer centralization; a steadily growing bureaucracy; State power and faith in State power increasing; social power and faith in social power diminishing; the State absorbing a continually larger proportion of the national income; production languishing; the State in consequence taking over one 'essential industry' after another, managing them with ever-increasing corruption, inefficiency, and prodigality, and finally resorting to a system of forced labor. Then at some point in this process a collision of State interests, at least as general and as violent as that which occurred in 1914, will result in an industrial and financial dislocation too severe for the asthenic [weak] social structure to bear; and from this the State will be left to 'the rusty death of machinery' and the casual anonymous forces of dissolution."

Responsibilities Are Readily Forgotten

"Democracy in the United States will endure until those in power learn that they can perpetuate themselves through taxation."

In other words, the temptation of public men in Washington is always to offer to have the federal government assume fresh responsibilities - with consequent decay of local and private vigor (it might be argued that, at least in part, a failure in the proper exercise of citizens' responsibility permitted the development of the welfare state syndrome - that the government owes them a living. In any event, once it got under way and the welfare state grew, the sense of citizens' responsibility and rugged individualism deteriorated).

• The increase of the scale of society and the size of government has bewildered many Americans, inclining them to think that the individual can accomplish little or nothing in a responsible way, engulfed as he seems to be by the overwhelmingness of it all. It was easier to see ones personal responsibilities in a Massachusetts township or next door to a Virginia courthouse, in 1787, than it is to perceive what one's duties to country and community may be in the New York or Los Angeles of 1987. When one contemplates the enormous size of the federal government, then the exercise of individual citizen responsibility seems almost hopeless.
• Until the 1930s, and in many schools later than that, young people learned their responsibilities through the lively study of history, government, and especially imaginative literature that taught them about human dignity and human duties. But in recent decades, especially during the 1960s and 1970s, the disciplines of history and government have been supplanted by a vague social stew," and the study of great literature and philosophical ideas has given way to anthologies of relevant" - and often depressing - third-rate recent writing. So the function of the schools as places where responsibility would be taught - an expressed hope of several of the Framers of the Constitution, John Dickinson among them - has been ignored.
• Of all social institutions, formerly the family was most active and successful in teaching young people their responsibilities. But since the Second World War particularly, the American family has been weakened by economic changes, both parents being gainfully employed (often to pay for increases of taxation, in large part), the triumph of the television set over family conversations, the influence of periodicals read by young people, and a considerable range of challenges to parental authority - many times encouraged by judicial decisions and actions of the education establishment. At the same time, the influence of school teachers and of the clergy in perpetuating this strong sense of responsibility has diminished. So, in some degree, the restoration of a sense of responsibility depends upon the family's recovery of authority.
• The fundamental impulse to accept responsibilities and perform duties, in every society, has been religious in origin. Individuals obey moral laws and do their duty because of awareness of duties toward God. Religion teaches that there exist natural laws; and that if individuals try to ignore those natural laws, they find themselves in peril, individually and as a society. People who deny the reality of the Divine tend to shrug off their responsibilities to other men and women. Thus, weakness in religious awareness commonly leads to the decay of personal responsibility in many walks of life.

These are only some of the reasons why a 'permissive" society speaks often of rights and seldom of responsibilities. A time comes, in the course of events, when abruptly there is a most urgent need for men and women ready to fulfill high and exacting and dangerous responsibilities. And if there are no such citizens, then liberty can be lost. It must be remembered that the great strength of the Signers of the Declaration and the Framers of the Constitution was that they knew their classical history, and how the ancient Greek cities had lost their liberties, and how the Roman system had sunk to its ruin under the weight of proletariat and military state.

Prospects For The Renewal Of Responsibility

• Like moral virtue, responsibility is first acquired in fami­ly and home. Nobody does more to injure a sense of responsibility than a parent who abandons children to the television set and the peer group, "liberating" them from household chores and study at home. Assigning and enforcing duties within home and family, though it may seem stern at first, is kindness to everybody in the long run.
• In the family, as well as in the school, the imagination and the intellect can be introduced to the literature of responsibility - for such does exist, and young people are much taken with this literature if they have not already been absorbed into a juvenile "counter-culture." It was not many years ago that boys read, for instance, Theodore Roosevelt's and Henry Cabot Lodge's Hero Tales from American History, with its stirring descriptions of George Washington; of George Rogers Clark conquering the Northwest; of the battles of Trenton, Bennington, King's Mountain, and Stony Point - to confine ourselves to Revolutionary fighting - of Gouverneur Morris, the most brilliant delegate to the Constitutional Convention, with his one leg and his crippled arm, refusing to flee from the Jacobins in Paris. In such true tales one learns what responsibility requires. And it was not many years ago that girls were reading about the heroines of ancient times and modern - about Hypatia, Joan of Arc, Abigail Adams. We learn our duties from learning about men and women who did theirs. One recalls James Wilson's words, quoted at the beginning of this essay: "He, who steadily pursues the road of patriotism, has the most in­viting prospect of being able, at  some  times, to perform  eminent  ones."
• In schools, the pupils need to be rescued from the sham subjects of "social studies" and "civics," ordinarily the most boring and empty disciplines in school curriculum, and introduced instead to real history and to the Con­stitution and American political institutions. From studying genuine historical figures and genuine politics and literature of the past, young people can come to apprehend what a citizen can do for his country.
• Perhaps the best way to renew responsibility in American society is to assume responsibilities one's self. It may be difficult to find the time, and painful to fight one's way into politics at any level; nevertheless, some honest men and women must do so if the Republic is to endure another two centuries - or perhaps to the end of the twentieth century. From running for Congress to cam­paigning for the office of drain commissioner; from publishing a newspaper to writing a letter to the editor - ­there is no end to the responsibilities that may be under­taken, to the general benefit. The apparatus for doing one's political duty still exists, thanks to our Constitution.
• To fulfill one's moral responsibilities through the agen­cies of a church, neighborhood, and personal charity may not be exciting; yet the example of duty does win converts, and one lays up treasure in a place unaffected by manipulated currency. To give aid and comfort to fugitives from Communist lands, say, is such an act as the Signers and the Framers would have approved heartily; and it teaches moral responsibility to one's children.
• Ultimately, the recovery of a sense of responsibility is bound up with the recovery of the old concept and vir­tue of  piety  - gratitude toward God for his gift of life, gratitude toward one's ancestors, concern for one's children and descendants. Such a sense of responsibility is in keeping with the philosophy upon which the na­tion was built - Creator-endowed rights and responsibilities.

In your own circumstances, you may encounter oppor­tunities for the renewal of responsibility more promising where you live than any suggested here. In any society, it always has been a minority who have upheld order and justice and freedom. If only one out of every ten citizens of the United States of America should vigorously fulfill his responsibilities to our civil social order - why, we would not need to fear for the future of this nation.

• In all previous cultures, children ordinarily accepted responsibility for the well-being of their parents in old age; and in various societies, the children were so held accountable in law. Why has this form of responsibility decayed in the twentieth century? Can you think of political and social causes for the care of elderly parents being turned over to public agencies?
• Can you name seven or eight voluntary associations or organizations, not subsidized or directed by government, that perform important services in your community or in America generally? Explore the benefits from this kind of involvement as opposed to "letting the government do it."
• Responsible citizenship sometimes brings risks - all the way from unpopularity in some local dispute to pushing forward under enemy fire in military action. How may schools help to teach the rising generation the high importance of performing duties that may be dangerous?
• Are you and I personally responsible for our decisions and actions, or are we simply creatures of our environment, "conditioned" to respond in one way or another to events and challenges? Marshal the arguments on either side of this question, and then consider the probable social consequences of believing in freedom of the will, or believing that society, rather than the individual person, is responsible for citizen's actions.
• What are you doing to help preserve the great principles on which this nation and your personal freedoms are based?

Our Ageless Constitution, W. David Stedman & La Vaughn G. Lewis, Editors (Asheboro, NC, W. David Stedman Associates, 1987) Part VII:  ISBN 0-937047-01-5

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What Are Our Responsibilities As U.S. Citizens?

A constitution and citizenship day q&a with jeffrey rosen.

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Sept. 17 is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, a day on which we  commemorate the signing of the Constitution in 1787 and also recognize all who have become citizens.

To learn more about this day, we asked Jeffrey Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center , about the origins and significance of the day and what the Constitution tells us about our duties as citizens.

What took place on Sept. 17, 1787, and why do we recognize that day instead of other dates, such as the ratification date in 1788?

On Sept. 17, 41 of the original 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention were present to sign the new Constitution. The session began with William Jackson — the Convention’s secretary — reading the Constitution’s full text before Benjamin Franklin gave a final speech.

Too frail to get up from his chair, Franklin told the delegates that “in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue,” he had often looked at the sun on the back of the president’s chair. For much of the convention, he did not know whether it was rising or setting. He could now announce that “I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”

On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to approve the Constitution — officially ratifying it under Article VII. The First Congress met under the new Constitution on March 4, 1789.

When did Constitution Day become an officially recognized day and how is it marked?

In 2004, an amendment to an Omnibus Spending Bill designated Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

Under the 2004 amendments, the holiday’s purpose is to “commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.” The act gives the president power to issue a proclamation each year to call on government officials to display the American flag on all government buildings and to invite the American people to observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in schools, churches, and “other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.” Finally, states and localities are “urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” by instructing citizens of their responsibilities and opportunities as American citizens. The amendments also call on the heads of federal agencies and departments to provide new employees with education and training materials concerning the Constitution. In May 2005, the Department of Education — operating under the amendments — instructed all educational institutions receiving federal funds to hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on Sept. 17. 

The National Constitution Center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act — which was approved on Sept. 16, 1988, and signed by President Ronald Reagan; and the center’s groundbreaking ceremony occurred on Sept. 17, 2000.

Sept. 17 is now also marked as Citizenship Day — why?

In May 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt approved a joint resolution of Congress to designate the third Sunday of May as Citizenship Day. The purpose of the act was to “give recognition to all those who, by coming of age or naturalization, have attained the status of citizenship.” In 1952, Congress moved Citizenship Day to Sept. 17.

What does the Constitution say about our rights and responsibilities?

The original Constitution says little about our rights and responsibilities as citizens. In 1787, state citizenship — not national citizenship — remained the primary source of rights and responsibilities. Certainly, Anti-Federalists were particularly vocal about this construction of republican citizenship. The shift towards the primacy of national citizenship is seen most clearly following the Civil War and Reconstruction — and articulated under the principles of the 14th Amendment, which declares that “all persons born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” 

Otherwise, the only other mentions of responsibilities come under the Constitution’s preamble, which says, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” This powerful text advances the founders’ vision of a new national government rooted in popular sovereignty. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass often cited the preamble alongside the Declaration of Independence to suggest that citizens as well as the government had a duty to make their ideals a reality.

As for rights, the original Constitution explicitly denies Congress the power to violate certain rights. For example, the suspension clause of Article I says “The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.” James Madison originally opposed the addition of a Bill of Rights on the grounds that enumerating rights would be unnecessary or dangerous. Unnecessary because the Constitution itself was a bill of rights — by granting Congress only limited powers, he insisted, the convention was at the same time denying Congress the power to infringe the people’s rights, which were enumerated in state constitutions. And Madison added that a federal enumeration of rights might be dangerous because it might wrongly suggest that if a right was not enumerated, it was also unprotected. In the face of objections from Anti-Federalists, and demands for amendments by state ratifying conventions, Madison changed his mind and proposed the Bill of Rights. It includes the Ninth Amendment , which says, “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” 

Were the founders of the Constitution considering citizens in new and different ways from other countries at the time in 1787?

The original Constitution primarily left the question of naturalized citizenship and immigration to Congress. For example, Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to create a uniform rule of naturalization. John Bingham, the primary author of the 14th Amendment, looked to the English common law of “birthright citizenship” in reversing the infamous Dred Scott decision and declaring that all persons born in the United States were citizens of the United States. 

Have the rights and responsibilities of citizenship changed over the years?

The Civil War and Reconstruction amendments made explicit in the Constitution what founder James Wilson had insisted at the Constitutional Convention — that “We the People of the United States,” not we the people of the several states, are sovereign. This transformed the antebellum expectation of a small government and state citizenship towards the primacy of federal power and national citizenship. With this shift came the expectation that the national government was the primary guarantor of rights, and congressional acts in 1866 and 1875 made the federal courts, not the state courts, the primary vehicle for protecting rights under the U.S. Constitution.

To learn more about the Constitution, visit the National Constitution’s Center’s resource the Interactive Constitution .

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The Declaration of Independence. The Constitution. The Bill of Rights. America’s founding documents were the result of debates and compromises that created a new nation unlike any other. Learn more about the history and content of America’s defining documents.

Government by the Numbers

The executive branch is one of the three branches of the U.S. government; it includes the president, vice president, presidential advisors and Cabinet, 15 executive departments, as well as hundreds of other bureaus and agencies. U.S. government employees within the executive branch play a variety of critical roles, such as issuing passports, maintaining public lands, printing money, monitoring the economy, and supporting health programs.

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Essay on Responsibilities of A Good Citizen | Responsibilities of A Good Citizen Essay for Students and Children in English

February 7, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on Responsibilities of A Good Citizen – Given below is a Long and Short Essay on Responsibilities of A Good Citizen for aspirants of competitive exams, kids and students belonging to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The Responsibilities of A Good Citizen essay 100, 150, 200, 250, 500 words in English help the students with their class assignments, comprehension tasks, and even for competitive examinations.

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Discursive Essay on Duties of a Good Citizen 500+ words for kids and students in English

A good citizen has to imbibe many qualities. The fact that he has some duties and responsibilities to bear, is true. But at the same time, he also enjoys some rights and privileges as a citizen of a free state. While he has every right to participate in the judicial, legal, political, religious and social affairs of the nation, he has also some responsibilities He must not hurt the sentiments of others and must protect the weak from the strong. Being loyal to the nation and the society, under all the circumstances, is his first and foremost duty.

A good citizen must be ready to sacrifice his life for the .sake of his motherland. He must love his nation and be a nationalist. He should have firm and deep faith in his motherland. He should obey the laws of the land. But he must also keep in mind the welfare of the state, the benefit of society and the long term interests of the nation.

A good citizen must respect the cultural heritage of his country. He should respect the heroes, the prophets, the sages and saints of his country. He must respect the race to which he belongs. He must always keep in mind the future of his country. He must raise the standard of living of his country by working honestly.

During times of aggression or foreign attacks, he must be ready to shed his blood for the sake of his motherland. Therefore, defence of the country is the supreme duty of a good citizen.

A good citizen must live in peace and harmony with his neighbours and fellow citizens. He must respect the institutions of his country. A good citizen must always respect the laws of the state and should have no patience with criminals and anti-social elements.

He must be vigilant against the enemies of the country. He must not do something that may help the anti-nationalist or the enemies of the country. He must cling to high ideals. He must be aware of what is happening in his country.

Unity of the nation should be his topmost priority. He should work for the unity of the country. A goodwill for all, the protection of the weak, help for the victims and a sympathetic attitude towards his fellow citizens are the qualities that are needed in a good citizen.

A good citizen should have a spirit of co-operation, friendliness, humanity, dedication and devotion towards his family and society. He must respect other faiths. He must not do anything that brings disgrace to his society or to his country. “Greatest good of the greatest number of people” should be his principle. All these good qualities, if possessed, make us good citizens.

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Handout A – Background Essay: What Does it Mean to Be a Citizen?

Directions: Read the essay and respond to the Review Questions at the end.

What is a Citizen?

The term, “citizen” is related to the Latin term, civitas, meaning “city,” and referred in early times to an inhabitant of a city. In modern times it denotes a legally recognized member of a state who is entitled to certain rights and bears certain responsibilities. In the United States, our understanding of what it means to be a citizen comes from a number of influences that predate the U.S. Constitution, which did not initially define citizenship, but left it to each of the states to determine the qualifications for participation in government. To the ancient Greeks, a citizen was a member of the community who participates in public affairs through informed, reasoned debate and discussion, respectfully considering the views of others. Aristotle taught that a citizen is capable of both ruling and being ruled through active participation in deliberation and decision-making. In the Roman Republic, civitas consisted of those city residents who were educated and had the right to vote and hold office. Ideally, they exercised moderation and good judgment by voting for the good of the people, sharing in the rights and responsibilities of self-government.

Why did the Founders think virtue is necessary?

Building on this underpinning, the Founders of the United States took the position that citizens must exercise certain knowledge, skills, dispositions, and virtues in self-government. Among the many observations of Founders regarding the important role of a citizen are the following:

• John Adams wrote, “Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private [virtue], and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.” John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, April 16, 1776
• Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” Letter to Messrs, the Abbes Chalut, and Arnaud, April 17, 1787
• James Madison stated: “To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical [imaginary] idea.” Speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 20, 1788
• Madison also wrote, “As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust, so there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. [America’s republican form of government] presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form.” (Federalist No. 55, 1788).
• Thomas Jefferson wrote: “Convinced that the people are the only safe depositories of their own liberty, and that they are not safe unless enlightened to a certain degree, I have looked on our present state of liberty as a short-lived possession unless the mass of the people could be informed to a certain degree.” Letter to Littleton Waller Tazewell, 1805.

Ratified in 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides the legal definition of U.S. citizenship, stating, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the State wherein they reside.” For purposes of this study, we will use the following description:

A citizen in a free society is a person who functions privately and publicly  according to principles of moral and ethical excellent essential to leading a worthwhile life and to effective self-government. A citizen seeks to be active in public life, demonstrating civic virtues in everyday life and solving community problems.

What virtues are necessary in a free society, and who is responsible for cultivating them among the citizens?

If citizens are to be free, how is it appropriate for government to be concerned about character formation? What does it mean to be free? The Founders believed that all humans are born with certain natural rights, and that legitimate government is based on the will of the people expressed through the laws they make for themselves through their representatives. Self-government in civil society depends on certain attributes of character, but the government is not the primary institution responsible for inculcating those virtues. Rather, generating the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions is primarily the responsibility of families. The first and most powerful influences on character come from experiences and expectations learned in the family setting. In the endeavor to develop decent human beings who know how to work with one another, solve problems, and resolve disputes productively, families are supported by private institutions such as religious institutions and civic associations. Government plays a secondary role in encouraging these qualities in a variety of ways, including through its provision of tax-supported community schools.

There are many virtues that contribute to civil society, but the Founders’ public and private writings tell us that many of them understood at least the following attributes of character to be necessary: justice, responsibility, courage, moderation, respect, initiative, honor, perseverance, self-reliance, and civic knowledge.

To preserve freedom citizens must first understand what justice is and have the courage to assert themselves when their rights or the rights of others are violated. If individuals are to be free, they must exercise self-reliance and responsibility to provide for themselves and their families. They must also respect others enough to behave generously when other community members face hardship. Another outgrowth of respect for others is that individuals exercise moderation in their thoughts and actions in order to listen and engage in civil discourse. Communities built on this foundation also require individuals who apply initiative to act energetically in solving problems, perseverance because problems often do not yield to easy solutions, and honor so that people can trust one another to do the right thing. Civic knowledge is necessary so that people understand their rights and can act with wisdom based on evidence and reason. In addition to applying these virtues in their own lives, citizens must hold their elected officials accountable to these standards. Seeking to serve the public in a representative office is a heavy responsibility, and voters must exercise vigilance and wisdom as they mark their ballots. What principles guided the Founders in establishing the structure of the U.S. Constitution?

Based on their long and diligent study of the kinds of governments that been established in human history, Founders like James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and George Mason, urged that certain principles must be incorporated in the framework of government in order for it to do its main job, which was protecting the natural rights of the citizens. Those principles of constitutional government included rule of law and due process, the idea that government and citizens alike abided by the same laws regardless of political power, and that those laws must reflect the virtue of justice. Because all humans are born with equal and inalienable rights, no one is born with a natural right to rule over others, so legitimate government is based on the principle of consent of the governed. In a large and complex society, the principle of consent is generally expressed through the principle of republicanism (or representation) as the people entrust to certain elected officials the responsibilities of day-today decision-making regarding law and policy. Because humans are flawed and disposed to increase their own power at the expense of others, Founders believed it is important to preserve the principle of limited government through a complex structure of enumerated, divided, shared powers and checks and balances.

The Founders knew that the preservation of liberty would not be easy; it is often difficult for flawed human beings to engage productively with one another to live peaceably in community. And they also knew that the American experiment in self-government had no chance to succeed without these constitutional principles, as well as personal and civic virtues.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

• Using the definitions of “citizen” in the first paragraph of the essay, write your own definition of what it means to be a citizen.
• Which of the Founders’ quotes in the second paragraph do you believe is most important for citizens to understand today? Be prepared to explain your answer.
• Why do institutions like government, religious institutions, and voluntary organizations play a secondary, or supporting, role in developing strength of character, compared to the primary role of family?
• Of the specific virtues listed in the essay, select the three or four that you think are most important, and be prepared to explain your opinion.
• Of the specific principles described in the essay, select one or two that you believe are most important and be prepared to explain your opinion.
• Paraphrase and evaluate the following quote from an essay that Samuel Adams wrote at the age of 27 in 1749. Was Adams correct, partially correct, or incorrect? Defend your answer. “Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. He therefore is the truest friend of the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue.” Samuel Adams, Essay in The Public Advertiser, 1749

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Essay on Responsibilities of a Good Citizen for Students [500+ Words]

December 10, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Responsibilities of a Good Citizen: Responsibility of a good citizen is to sacrifice everything for the motherland. Respecting the culture & heritage of their own country is one of the duties of a citizen. He or She must always keep in mind to raise the future of his country. Unity & prosperity must be the priorities of a good citizen.

Essay on Good Citizen 500 Words in English

Below we have provided the responsibilities of a good citizen essay, written in easy and simple words for class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students.

We are born and raised in a single country, sometimes different countries., regardless of location, we incorporate the values of our respective cultures in the way we act and treat other people. Being a citizen of a country, however, is much more than some words and a stamp on endless paperwork. Along with it, one bears an ideology that connects them to other citizens of that country, regardless of their race, religion, or gender. Being a citizen gives a person all the rights to which the constitution says they are entitled.

This is why the process of citizenship of any country is a long and complicated one since it means that the person will legally have a voice in matters of the country. It also means that they will have to abide by the laws of that country, out of respect for the nation as a whole, as well as to uphold law and order. To be a responsible citizen, the person must educate themselves about their country and culture. This begins by conversing with people and understanding their way of life. It also involves an awareness of the country’s history and heritage.

This would mean reading about important figures in the country’s history, crucial events that led the country to where it currently stands, and other aspects such as the history of art and literature. It is also crucial that people who want to be responsible citizens know the diversity of different socioeconomic groups in the country. They must learn about the situation in the country in regard to equality in terms of race, religion, gender, and several other factors. One must learn about how minority groups are treated in the country, and if they are discriminated against, then the person must be an advocate to protect their rights.

A responsible citizen must always stay updated with the news. This does not mean simply reading the headlines on the front page of a newspaper- it means reading the articles thoroughly to understand the state of the nation. In an age where fake news is rampant, one must also not limit themselves to a single news source. They should try understanding an issue by learning about it from different news channels and articles by different newspapers. They will always provide different perspectives on the same issue, and this knowledge will allow the person to gain a better understanding of what their stance ought to be.

One must also learn about their own purchases- in an age of globalization, the products we use can be made in one country with materials from another. As a responsible citizen, one must not completely boycott products from other countries but should try to use local goods and services as much as possible. By doing so, the person is helping the economy of the country as well as financing local households. Volunteering and contributing to community development efforts is an important step in helping the country progress. One does not have to have widespread connections with major NGOs to volunteer- simply helping a disabled neighbour with their groceries also counts.

One can volunteer in local homeless shelters, orphanages, animal shelters, retirement homes, as well as other educational institutions like struggling schools and nurseries. If one does not have the time in their schedule to volunteer physically, they can instead choose to donate to charity. However, one must always donate wisely, because some charities are dishonest and lack transparency in terms of what actually happens with the funds from the donation. Therefore, always research the charity before donating to it.

However, supporting the community isn’t limited merely to volunteering with organizations or donating- it also involves supporting art, music, and cultural activities. One should support local artists by promoting their work and also stay on the lookout for shows, exhibitions, and other cultural events. By attending and promoting them, the person will not only develop a healthy sense of what truly constitutes entertainment but also allow the culture of the country to flourish in all areas truly. Being a good citizen involves being cooperative, friendly, considerate, and dedicated to fostering a positive environment in the community.

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Liberal Rights and Responsibilities: Essays on Citizenship and Sovereignty

Professor of Philosophy

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The twin questions at the heart of political philosophy are “Why may the state forcibly impose itself on its constituents?” and “Why must citizens obey the state’s commands?” This collection of eleven essays offers original responses to these fundamental questions and then, building upon these answers, defends a number of distinctive positions concerning the rights and responsibilities individual citizens, separatist groups, and political states have regarding one another. The first four chapters combine to critically discuss standard theories of political obligation and then to introduce Wellman’s samaritan explanation of our duty to obey the law. The next three papers challenge the traditional accounts of group autonomy en route to advancing Wellman’s functional account of political self-determination. Next he reviews group responsibility and argues that each of us must do our share to ensure that the groups to which we belong do not perpetrate injustice. In the ninth paper, Wellman invokes freedom of association in defense of a legitimate state’s right to unilaterally design and enforce an exclusionary immigration policy. The last two chapters defend the rights forfeiture justification of punishment then combines this theory with Wellman’s samaritan account of political legitimacy to explain why legitimate states may permissibly assume exclusive control over the enforcement of criminal law. Taken as a group, these essays aim to vindicate a liberal political philosopher’s capacity to begin with relatively modest moral principles and still arrive at robust conclusions in favor of the moral standing of legitimate states.

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Values, Rights, Duties And Responsibilities Of Indian Citizens

• Author(s): Journal of Legal Studies and Research
• Publication Date: September 16, 2020

Contents of this Post

Written by Neetu Jain

Advocate, Supreme Court of India

INTRODUCTION

The Preamble of our Constitution says, WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a  [SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the [unity and integrity of the Nation].

The preamble can be referred to as the preface which highlights the entire Constitution , makes it very clear that the ideals of the Constitution have to percolate to every citizen of India.

India has a glorious history of democracy since ancient times. Eminent historian, Shri K P Jayaswal stated that the concept of the republic system in ancient India is older than the Roman or Greek republican system. The ancient republics or Janpadas such as Vaishali, Kapilavastu and Mithila etc. and their constitutions are older than 600 BC, and are the foundation of constitutional democracy of India.

Since ancient times, people in India have followed the tradition of performing their duties without questioning about their rights and privileges. Since time immemorial, an individual’s “kartavya” — the performance of one’s duties towards society, his/her country and his/her parents was emphasized. Describing the role of a king, at one place the greatest King Chandra Gupta Maurya’s Guru Chanakya, had stated that “It is a king’s utmost duty to look after the progress and welfare of the people of his country”.

Since time immemorial people in India has believed in the concept that Work is worship, thus emphasizing on one’s duty which means that if every individual performs their duties with sincerity, then it amounts to a worship mechanism. Here it is important to mention that Rig Veda talks about fundamental values which include harmony, tolerance, righteousness, respect for nature, and respect for the (unseen) supreme.

Bhagwad Gita and Ramayana also speak that an individual should perform their duties. In the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna said that everyone should do their duties without expecting anything. Mahatma Gandhi once said that “I have learnt my duties in my mother’s lap, she was an illiterate woman but knew what was my dharma”. The beauty of this ancient thought is that the performance of duty protects our right and rights cannot be divorced from duties. Swami Vivekananda once rightly said, “it is the duty of every citizen to contribute and participate in the development and progress of India”.

RIGHTS OF PERSONS

In accordance with the ideals of the Preamble, the Fundamental Rights of Person have been ensured in Part III (Article 14- 32) of the constitution. These rights are applied irrespective of race, place of birth, religion, caste, creed, or gender. They are enforceable by the courts, subject to specific restrictions. They can broadly be classified as:

-Right to Equality (Article 14 – Article 18)

-Right to Freedom (Articles 19 – Article 22)

-Right to Education (Article 21A).

-Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 – Article 24)

-Right to Religion (Articles 25 – Article 28)

-Right to Culture and Education (Articles 29 – Article 30)

-Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): In order to ensure that the Rights of Persons are protected, any person who believes that his rights have been affected by the actions of State has the right to move to the Supreme Court or High Court for enforcement of his rights and the Supreme Court and High Courts have the power to issue directions or orders or writs, including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari, whichever may be appropriate, for the enforcement of any of the rights conferred by this Part.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIAN CITIZEN

PART IVA FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES 51A. It shall be the duty of every citizen of India— (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; (d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; (e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women; (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; (g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures; (h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; (j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement; (k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

If we minutely study all the provisions of our Constitution, we find that very significant feature of our Constitution is that it balances citizens’ rights and duties. These are some social factors which have been grown with time, tradition and usage. The citizen’s duties as are enshrined with Constitution are important as a codification of such duties are an integral part of every citizen of India, which focus on tolerance, peace and communal harmony. A close look of the provision of Article 51A of the Constitution, indicate that a number of provisions refer to human values, which have been part of Indian tradition, mythology, religion and practices.

The chapter on Fundamental Rights in the Constitution itself recognizes the essence of duties. If we look at Article 19 which pertains to freedom of speech, we find that Clause 2 to 6 of the same article put some reasonable restrictions on the exercise of such rights in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, and the security of the state, public order, decency and morality. Similarly, w.r.t other articles of part III of our Constitution. This implies that while exercising rights one must remember one’s duties towards these constitutional Rights.

No democratic polity can ever succeed where the citizens are concerned only about their rights and are not willing to actively participate in the process of assuming responsibilities, discharging their duties and strive to give their best in the interest of their nation. There are three things which build a nation. The first is noble ideals. The second is the capability of the citizens for achieving these ideals. The third and very important is that the constant and intense effort made by each and every Indian citizen to strive for excellence and take his country forward and foremost and make proud in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi, while commenting on the performance of duties had once said that the true source of right is a duty. While emphasizing on duties he meant that if we perform our duties than rights will not be far, however, If we leave the duty unperformed, and run after rights, we will not be able to get the rights.

It can be undoubtedly stated that the rights flow from duties when well performed. Harold Laski, the great political philosopher once said that the rights are related to functions and are given only in return for some duties to be performed. Rights are conferred on the individuals not for their individual up-liftmen but also for social and collective good.

Citizen is one of the foundations of the country. They are entitled to enjoy all the legal rights and privileges granted by a state to the people encompassing its constituency and are obligated to obey its laws and to attain his or her duties as called upon.

A responsible citizen abides by all the laws of the country, in return they get rights. However, rights come with duties such as casting a vote, paying government taxes and protecting the country from any foreign invasion. Being a good and responsible citizen of the country, one must engage in activities or assist in tackling issues such as keeping the environment clean, raising money for charities, conserving electricity, water, and natural resources, or protecting public properties, etc.

CAN THE LEGISLATION AMEND/ ALTER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL PROVIDED BY THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA.?

Here it is important to sum-up by mentioning three important Judgments of the Supreme Court on the issue of Fundamental Rights and power of Parliament to amend the Constitution. They are Golaknath Vs State of Punjab (1967AIR 1643) , Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Jabalpur vs Shivakant Shukla (1976 2 SCC 521 , and   Kesavananda Bharati State of Kerala (1973 4 SCC 225).

  The Golaknath Case (1967AIR 1643) pertained to challenging acquisition of farmlands in Punjab under land ceiling laws and the petitioner therein contended attachment of lands denied them equality and equal protection as constitutionally guaranteed.  In this matter, the 11-judge bench examined its own five-judge verdict in a previous case ( Sankari Prasad vs Union of India ) when the court ruled that parliament has the right to amend any part of the constitution.

The Hon’ble Apex court in Golaknath Case reversed its previous verdict of Sankari Prasad vs Union of India, however with the rider of the doctrine of “prospective overruling”, and declared that parliament did not have the power to amend fundamental rights, in part or in whole. The court also ruled that despite it being the parliament’s duty to enforce the directive principles of state policy, this could not be done by altering fundamental rights.

In Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Jabalpur vs Shivakant Shukla(1976 2 SCC 521) , popularly known as the Habeas Corpus case, which was decided by the  Supreme Court on April 28, 1976, by a bench of five judges, wherein the Hon’ble Supreme Court by majority held that  “In view of the Presidential Order dated 27 th June 1975 no person has any locus to move any writ petition under Article 226 before a High Court for habeas corpus or any other writ or order or direction to challenge the legality of an order of detention on the ground that the order is not under or in compliance with the Act or is illegal or is vitiated by mala fides factual or legal or is based on extraneous considerations.” The presidential order referred to in the conclusion of the judgment had declared that any right under Article 14,21, & 22 of the constitution of any person and all proceedings pending in any court for the enforcement of those rights would remain suspended during the Emergency was in force.

However, Justice Khanna, (one of the Judges of the Bench) in his dissent, held that  “ Article 21  cannot be considered to be the sole repository of the right to life and personal liberty. Sanctity of life and liberty was not something new when the constitution was drafted, and the principle that no one shall be deprived of his life and liberty without the authority of law was not the gift of the constitution, Justice Khanna declared.” Therefore, he reasoned that even in the absence of Article 21 in the constitution, the state has got no power to deprive a person of his life or liberty without the authority of law. It is important to note here that the later pronouncements of Supreme Court, on Article 21, of makes it clear that the dissenting opinion of the minority Judge, Justice Khanna is the way forward.

Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala ( 1973 4 SCC 225 ) , Judgment wherein one main question: was the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution unlimited? In other words, could Parliament alter, amend, abrogate any part of the Constitution even to the extent of taking away all fundamental rights?

On April 24, 1973, Chief Justice Sikri and 12 judges of the Supreme Court assembled to deliver the most important judgment in its history. Article 368(pertaining to the power of the Parliament to amend provisions of Constitution), on a plain reading, did not contain any limitation on the power of Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution. There was nothing that prevented the Parliament from taking away a citizen’s right to freedom of speech or his religious freedom. However, on account of Article 32, Supreme Court of India rose to the occasion and though 703-page judgment revealed a sharply divided court and, by a wafer-thin majority of 7:6, overruled the Golaknath  verdict and gave back to the parliament the right to amend the Constitution.  It was held that Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution so long as it did not alter or amend “the basic structure or essential features of the Constitution.” This was the inherent and implied limitation on the amending power of Parliament. Thus, the Judgment ensured that the Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution or impose any reasonable restriction on the rights of the people so long as it does not alter or amend the basic structure or essential feature of the Construction.

Essay on Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens for Students

Table of Contents

India is a democratic country where its citizens live freely however they have lots of rights and responsibilities towards their country. Rights and responsibilities are two sides of a coin and both go side to side. If we have rights we must have their corresponding responsibilities too. Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand with us where we live in whatever home, society, village, state, or country. Now-a-days, students gets assigned by their teachers to write some paragraphs or complete essay on any topic to enhance their English writing skill and knowledge as well as spread awareness. Following are some paragraphs, short essays and long essays on Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens to help students in completing their related task. All the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens essay are written very simply. So, you can select any essay according to your need and requirement:

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Long and Short Essay on Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens in English

Rights and responsibilities of citizens essay 1 (100 words).

Citizen is the person who lives as an inhabitant in any village or city of the state and country. We all are citizen of our country and have various rights and responsibilities towards our village, city, society, state and country. Rights and duties of each citizen are very valuable and inter-related. Every state or country provides its citizens some fundamental civil rights such as personal rights, religious rights, social rights, moral rights, economic rights and political rights. As a citizen of the country we are morally and legally required to complete our duties always together. We should love and respect each other and live together without any difference. We are expected to sacrifice time to time in order to protect our country.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Essay 2 (150 words)

Citizens living in the country must know their rights and responsibilities. Understanding all the rules and regulation presented by the government may help every citizen in completing their responsibilities towards country. We must understand our rights for our own well being and freedom in the country as well as serve for the communities and country. The constitution of India (called as supreme law of India) came into force in 1950 on 26 January which has given democratic rights to the Indian citizen. According to the Indian constitution, people of India have various rights and responsibilities.

There are around six fundamental rights of the Indian citizens without which no one can live in the democratic manner. Means, democracy in the country can work only if its citizens have rights. Such rights prevent the government from being dictatorial and cruel. Fundamental rights help people in their moral, material and personality development. In case of rights violations of someone, courts can protect and safeguard them. There are some fundamental responsibilities too for the peace and prosperity of the country.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Essay 3 (200 words)

Fundamental rights of the Indian citizens are given to them for the basic and essential conditions of good life for their progress. Without such rights no Indian citizen can develop his/her personality and confidence. These fundamental rights are preserved in the Indian Constitution. Fundamental rights are protected and guaranteed to the citizens by supreme law while ordinary rights by the ordinary law. Fundamental rights of the citizens are not violable in ordinary situation however in some reasonable circumstances they can be suspended but temporarily.

Six fundamental rights according to the Indian constitution are Right to Equality (Article 14 – Article 18), Right to Religion (Articles 25 – Article 28), Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 – Article 24), Right to Culture and Education (Articles 29 – Article 30), Right to Freedom (Articles 19 – Article 22), and Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32). Citizens enjoy their fundamental rights living anywhere in the country. He/she can go to the court for legal assistance in case his/her rights are violated by force. There are various responsibilities too of the good citizens which everyone must follow in order to improve surroundings and get inner peace. Fulfilling responsibilities towards country gives sense of ownership for the country. Being a good citizen of the country, we should not waste electricity, water, natural resources, public property, etc. We should follow all the rules and laws as well as pay tax timely.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Essay 4 (250 words)

Fundamental rights given to the Indian citizens are essential part of the Constitution. Such fundamental rights can be altered by the Parliament using special procedure. No person other than Indian citizen is allowed to enjoy such rights except right to liberty, life, and personal property. Other fundamental rights except right to life and personal liberty can be suspended during time of emergency. If any citizen found his/her rights violated can go to the court (Supreme Court and High Court) for enforcement. Some fundamental rights are positive or negative in nature and always become superior to the ordinary laws. Some fundamental rights like freedom of speech, assembly, cultural right and educational rights are limited to citizens only.

There were no fundamental duties preserved in the Constitution of India when it came into force in 1950. However, ten fundamental duties (covered by Article 51 A) were added in the 42 nd Amendment of the Constitution of India in 1976. Following are the fundamental responsibilities of the Indian citizens:

• Indian citizen must respect their National Flag and the National Anthem.
• They must respect, value and follow all the noble ideals used in the national struggle for freedom.
• They must to protect the power, unity and integrity of the country.
• They guard the country and maintain the spirit of common brotherhood.
• They must protect and preserve the cultural heritage sites.
• They must protect, preserve and improve the natural environment.
• They must safeguard the public property.
• They should develop scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.
• They must work hard to get excellence in every area of individual and collective activity.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Essay 5 (300 words)

Fundamental duties of the Indian citizens are mentioned in the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India in 1976. All the responsibilities are very important and necessary for the vital interest of country. They can be civic duties or moral duties which cannot be enforced legally upon the citizens even by the courts. One cannot be punished if he/she is not performing his/her duties as there is no legal force governing these duties. Fundamental duties (right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights and right to constitutional remedies) are the integral part of Constitution of India having moral impact and educative value upon the Indian citizens. Inclusion of such responsibilities to the Constitution is important for the progress, peace and prosperity of the country.

Some of the fundamental responsibilities mentioned in the Constitution of India are like respect to the National Flag, the National Anthem, citizens must defend their country, commit to provide National service whenever required, safeguard the public property, etc. Such rights and responsibilities are very important for National interest of the country however not forcefully enforced to the people. In order to completely enjoy the rights, people must perform their responsibilities towards country in a well manner as rights and responsibilities are related to each other. As we get rights our responsibilities increases too towards individual and social welfare. Both are not separable and vital regarding prosperity of country.

As a good citizen of the country, we need to know and learn our all the rights and duties for the welfare of our society and country. We need to understand that all of us are responsible for good or bad condition of the society. We need to change our thinking into action to bring some positive effect in our society and country. If the individual action performed by a person can change the life; why not, our collaborative actions have positive effects over the society and country. So, the duties of citizens matters a lot for the prosperity and peace of society and entire country.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Essay 6 (400 words)

As we are a social animal, we have lots of responsibilities for the development as well as bring prosperity and peace in the society and country. In order to fulfill our responsibilities we have given some rights by the Constitution of India. Rights are very necessary given to the citizens for their individual development and improve the social life. Democratic system of the country is completely based on the freedom of its citizens to enjoy their rights. Rights given by our Constitution are called as Fundamental Rights which cannot be taken back from us in normal times. Our Constitution gives us six rights such as:

• Right to Freedom: It is very important fundamental right which makes people able to express their thoughts and ideas through speech, writing or other means. According to this right, a person is free to cherish, criticize or speak against the governmental policies. He/she is free to carry on any business in any corner of the country.
• Right to Freedom of Religion: There are many states in the country where people of various religions live together. Each one of us is free to practice, propagate and follow any religion we like. No one has right to interfere with the faith of anybody.
• Right to Equality: Citizens living in India are equal and have no any difference and discrimination between rich and poor or high and low. A person of any religion, caste, creed, sex or place can get the highest position in office for which he/she has ability and required qualifications
• Right to Education and Culture: Every child has right to education and he/she can get education in any institution up to any level.
• Right against Exploitation: No one has right to force anybody to work without wages or against his/her wish or children below 14 years of age.
• Right to Constitutional Remedies: It is the most important one which protects all the fundamental rights. If someone feels that his/her rights are being harmed in any condition he/she can approach to the court seeking justice.

As we know that both, duties and rights go side by side. Our rights are meaningless without duties thus both are inseparable. We do not have right to get benefited with rights if we do not follow our duties properly for the smooth running of country. As being the citizen of the country, our responsibilities and duties are:

• We must respect the National Flag and National Anthem.
• We should respect and obey the laws of our country.
• We should enjoy rights and freedom under the limit without interfering with freedom and rights of others.
• We should be ready to protect our country whenever required.
• We should respect and protect national property and public property (such as railways, post-offices, bridges, roadways, schools, colleges, historical buildings, places, forests, etc).
• We should pay our taxes with honesty in timely manner.

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Essay on Duties of a Good Citizen

Students are often asked to write an essay on Duties of a Good Citizen in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Duties of a Good Citizen

Understanding citizenship.

Being a good citizen means to contribute to society and the community. Good citizenship is about following rules, respecting others, and actively participating in the community.

Respecting Laws

A good citizen respects the law. This means following rules and regulations, and not engaging in illegal activities.

Participation in Community

Active participation in the community is another duty. This can be through voting, volunteering, or helping neighbors.

Respecting Others

Good citizens respect others. They treat everyone equally, regardless of their race, religion, or gender.

250 Words Essay on Duties of a Good Citizen

Introduction.

A good citizen is a cornerstone of a healthy society, contributing to its development, prosperity, and stability. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere law-abiding behavior, encompassing a broad spectrum of duties and obligations.

Moral and Legal Obligations

Primarily, a good citizen abides by the law, respecting the rights and freedoms of others. They uphold moral values, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect in their daily interactions. Their commitment to justice ensures they act as a moral compass, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Political Participation

Active participation in political processes is another vital duty. Good citizens stay informed about national and global issues, exercising their right to vote responsibly. They engage in constructive criticism, voicing their opinions and advocating for change when necessary.

Social Responsibility

Good citizens also shoulder social responsibilities, contributing to societal welfare. They volunteer, assist the less fortunate, and strive for environmental sustainability. Their actions reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of society and the environment.

In essence, the duties of a good citizen are multifaceted, intertwining legal, moral, political, and social dimensions. By fulfilling these duties, citizens not only enhance their personal growth but also contribute to societal progress. The collective efforts of good citizens are the bedrock upon which thriving societies are built.

500 Words Essay on Duties of a Good Citizen

Upholding the law.

The first duty of a good citizen is to respect and adhere to the laws of the country. Laws are designed to maintain order and protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens. Disregarding these laws not only disrupts societal harmony but also infringes upon the rights of others. A good citizen understands the importance of these laws and follows them diligently.

Active Participation in Democratic Processes

In democratic societies, citizens have the right to vote and voice their opinion. It is the duty of every citizen to participate in these democratic processes. Voting is not merely a right, but a responsibility. A good citizen understands the power of their vote and utilizes it to elect leaders who they believe will best represent their interests and the interests of the society at large.

Respect for Diversity

Environmental responsibility.

A good citizen recognizes the importance of protecting the environment. They understand that their actions have an impact on the environment and strive to minimize their environmental footprint. This includes practicing sustainable living, recycling, and advocating for environmental policies.

Social responsibility is another crucial duty of a citizen. This involves contributing to the welfare of the society in whatever capacity one can. It could be through volunteering, donating to charities, or simply helping a neighbor in need. A good citizen understands that they are part of a larger community and that their actions can have a significant impact on the well-being of this community.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Learning Objectives

Students will be able to...

• Define citizenship on five levels (home, school, city, state, nation).
• Describe key rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Identify the source of rights and responsibilities at each level of citizenship.
• Recognize conflict between rights and responsibilities.
• Suggest examples of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in their own lives.
• Related Resources

Students learn that they are citizens at many levels of society: home, school, city, state, and nation! Students create a graphic organizer that diagrams citizen rights and responsibilities at these different levels of citizenship. They also learn the sources of their rights and responsibilities at each level. We recommend following this lesson with the iCivics lesson, " The Global You ."

Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!

*Note: One or more of the activities for this lesson is not compatible with Kami viewer at this time. Be sure to check the “Download Resources” button below to use these activities.

Access engaging resources with an iCivics account!

Create your free iCivics account and discover standards aligned lessons and games that meet all of your instructional needs. Our nonpartisan classroom resources engage students with complex concepts in ways they can understand and relate to.

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Integrations

View state standards alignment

More resources in the unit 'citizenship & participation', a trip around the world.

Students learn about citizenship around the world and compare the rights and responsibilities of citizens in other countries to the rights held by U.S. citizens.Got a 1:1…

Citizenship: Just the Facts

In this lesson, students get the basics of U.S. citizenship. As a foundation for studying the rights and responsibilities of citizens, they’ll learn what it means to be a citizen…

Civic Heroism!

Let's explore what it means to be a civic hero!

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!

Whether you enjoy finding opportunities within a well-structured sequence of resources or prefer looking around for pieces and bits that can be jigsawed together, our Scope & Sequence documents are a perfect reference point for planning. Scope & Sequence documents are available for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and list all of our resources in one place.

The Responsibility of Voting: A Privilege for U.S. Citizens

Exploring the importance of voting as a responsibility for american citizens..

How much do you know about America? In honor of July Fourth, test your knowledge with some of the questions aspiring U.S. citizens must answer to become naturalized. Did you know that one of the key responsibilities of being a United States citizen is the right to vote? This fundamental right is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and is a cornerstone of democracy in America.

This story was originally published in NPR. "One of our greatest rights, especially for new citizens, is the power to vote," said Jeanette, a naturalized citizen who recently participated in a Naturalization Ceremony. "It's a way for us to have a voice in our government and make a difference in our communities."

We tested our readers with some of the questions that aspiring U.S. citizens must answer to become naturalized. Did they know enough about the responsibilities that come with citizenship, such as voting in elections? The ability to vote is a crucial way for citizens to participate in the democratic process and have a say in the direction of their country.

Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, is celebrated on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution. This day serves as a reminder of the rights and responsibilities that come with being a citizen of the United States, including the duty to vote in elections.

A discussion of the roles of the state and federal governments, and their concurrent and exclusive powers, highlights the importance of voting as a responsibility for U.S. citizens. By participating in elections, citizens have the opportunity to shape policies and decisions at both the local and national levels.

September 17 is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, a day on which we commemorate the signing of the Constitution in 1787 and also recognize the importance of civic engagement. As U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal noted at a Naturalization Ceremony in Seattle, voting is a powerful way for new citizens to exercise their rights and contribute to society.

Asylum seekers must navigate a difficult and complex process that can involve multiple government agencies. This fact sheet provides an overview of the naturalization process for new citizens, including the significance of voting as a responsibility for U.S. citizens.

By Kerri Lawrence | National Archives News WASHINGTON, September 18, 2018 — Thirty-one new United States naturalized citizens took the oath of allegiance, affirming their commitment to upholding the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Among these responsibilities is the duty to vote in elections and participate in the democratic process.

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Election certification under threat

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A legal roadmap to protect the 2024 election including from 35 officials who have refused to certify results

In this report, CREW identifies 35 rogue election officials across the country who have already refused to certify election results and may be in a position to do so again. The report focuses on the eight states where county officials have unlawfully refused to certify elections since 2020: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The report also identifies the legal remedies available to state and federal authorities, as well as voters, to protect the certification of the 2024 election. 

In the aftermath of the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection, threats to the election certification process have escalated, now with an increasing focus on county-level certification. Since 2020, more than 30 county officials across the country have voted to deny or delay certifying election results in violation of law, often citing false claims of voter fraud or irregularities. Among those officials are avowed 2020 election deniers, individuals who acted as fake presidential electors for Donald Trump and a criminally convicted participant in the January 6th insurrection who was later removed from office in a lawsuit led by CREW.

These remedies include emergency court orders to compel compliance with the law, criminal charges to punish and deter misconduct and legal procedures to remove obstructionist officials from their county positions.

So far, states have shut down these dangerous efforts to sabotage the certification process—including in Arizona and New Mexico where state authorities secured emergency court orders, called writs of mandamus, compelling county officials to follow the law. But the threat of disruption looms large in this year’s election. 

If county officials successfully obstruct certification, it could have a cascading effect on state and federal certification deadlines. It could also lead to mass disenfranchisement of qualified voters. 

County certification is the culmination of the process by which votes are counted and reported to higher authorities. State laws make clear that certification is non-discretionary. It is not an opportunity for county officials to politically grandstand, lodge protest votes against election practices they dislike or investigate suspected voter fraud. The point of certification is not to verify the truth and accuracy of the election as a whole, but rather to confirm that county officials completed verification processes outlined in state law.

“State laws make clear that certification is non-discretionary. It is not an opportunity for county officials to politically grandstand…”

State laws provide robust mechanisms outside of the certification process—including recounts, audits, evidentiary hearings before state election boards and election contests in court—to address suspected fraud and errors. These are the legally-designated avenues for resolving the rare cases where genuine problems arise in an election, not the certification process. When county officials stray outside of their lane to perform tasks the law does not assign to them, they are disrupting the administration of state election laws and exposing themselves to potential civil and criminal liability.

For statewide races and races across multiple counties, county certification marks the end of one phase of a multi-step election process, and it must occur by a hard deadline to ensure later state and federal certification deadlines are met. If county officials try to obstruct this process, state and federal laws provide effective mechanisms to compel certification by statutory deadlines and to punish misconduct.

That election certification is a ministerial, non-discretionary function has been a settled principle of American election law since the turn of the twentieth century, when state courts across the country shut down partisan attempts by county officials to refuse to count lawful votes. But some officials emboldened by former President Trump’s 2020 election denial movement now seek to weaponize this routine government process, undermining the foundations of our election infrastructure. 

Their reasons for denying or delaying certification have often been brazenly lawless. (As used in this report, “refusal to certify” means voting either to delay or deny certifying election results.) For example:

• Couy Griffin, the former county official in New Mexico who a state court removed from office for engaging in the January 6th insurrection, stated: “My vote to remain a ‘no’ isn’t based on any evidence. It’s not based on any facts…It’s only based on my gut feeling and my own intuition.”
• Jerry Forestieri and Timothy DeHaan, two former county officials in North Carolina who the state election board removed from office, said they were voting against certification to protest a federal court ruling from several years earlier that they claimed was “illegal” and “pervert[ed] our election practices.” DeHaan admitted “[w]e feel the election was held according to the law that we have, but that the law is not right.”
• Ron Gould and Hildy Angius, two current county officials in Arizona, said their votes to delay certification were purely a “political statement” to protest election practices in a different county.

County officials in other states, such as Georgia and Pennsylvania, have offered a veneer of legal justification for refusing to certify. Others have withheld certification based on arbitrary and shifting demands for non-essential election records. No matter these officials’ motives or the sincerity of their concerns, the law gives them no “discretion” not to certify. 

As the Georgia Supreme Court explained more than a century ago, “[t]he duties of [election] canvassers are purely ministerial; they perform the mathematical act of tabulating the votes of the different precincts as the [election] returns come to them.”

In recent years, conspiracy theories about elections and the certification process have contributed to an increase in violence, threats, harassment, doxxing and other forms of intimidation toward election workers. While we strongly advocate using appropriate legal mechanisms to hold accountable any county election official who defies the law, violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy, regardless of any misconduct by government officials. 

State-by-state analysis

County officials who have refused to certify elections, tom crosby .

• Current position: Cochise County Board of Supervisors, District 1 County Supervisor, Vice-Chairman .
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Cochise County, 2022 : Crosby voted with Peggy Judd to delay certification of the election results beyond the statutory certification deadline.
• Current position: Cochise County Board of Supervisors, District 3 County Supervisor.
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Cochise County, 2022 : Judd voted to delay certification of the election results beyond the statutory certification deadline. 
• Current position: Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 5 County Supervisor
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mohave County, 2020: Mohave County was one of the counties in which officials initially voted to delay certifying the election results, although they ultimately certified by the statutory deadline. General Election, Mohave County, 2022: Gould and two other board members initially voted against certifying the election results. Gould ultimately voted to certify the election and claimed he was doing so “under duress.”

Hildy Angius

• Current position: Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 2 County Supervisor
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mohave County, 2020: Angius seconded Gould’s motion to delay certification, but ultimately certified by the statutory deadline. General Election, Mohave County, 2022: Angius, along with Ron Gould and Travis Lingenfelter, initially voted to delay certifying the election results. Angius ultimately voted to certify the election “under duress.”

Travis Lingenfelter

• Current position: Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 1 County Supervisor
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mohave County, 2022: Along with Angius and Gould, Lingenfelter initially voted to delay certifying the election results. He ultimately voted to certify the election.

Legal remedies under Arizona law

Arizona law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Mandamus relief (i.e., emergency court orders compelling county officials to follow the law)
• State constitutional protections of the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted
• Legal mechanisms authorizing courts to sanction, punish, and replace county officials who defy court orders to certify election results
• Criminal penalties for willfully subverting certification

For more detail on the officials and legal remedies read the full report.

Theresa Watson

• Position: Previously a member of the Boulder County Canvass Board . If re-appointed by the Boulder County Republican Party, Watson would again serve as a county canvass board member for the Boulder County Canvass Board.
• Refusal to certify: Coordinated Election, Boulder County, 2023: Watson voted against certifying the results of the November 7, 2023, Coordinated Election, but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Presidential Primary Election, Boulder County, 2024: Watson voted against certifying the results of the presidential primary , but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Candice Stutzriem

• Position: Previously a member of the El Paso County Canvass Board . If re-appointed by the El Paso County Republican Party, Stutzriem would again serve as a county canvass board member for the El Paso County Canvass Board. 
• Refusal to certify: Coordinated Election, El Paso County, 2023 : Stutzriem elected not to certify the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Presidential Primary Election, El Paso County, 2024 : Stutzriem voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Nancy Pallozzi

• Position: Previously a member of the Jefferson County Canvass Board . If re-appointed by the Jefferson County Republican Party, Pallozzi would serve as a member for the Jefferson County Canvass Board. Pallozi serves as the Chair of Jefferson County GOP.
• Refusal to certify: Coordinated Election, Jefferson County, 2023: Pallozzi voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Presidential Primary Election, Jefferson County, 2024: Pallozi voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Legal remedies under Colorado law

Colorado law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing the Secretary of State to certify an election if a county board refuses to do so

Debbie Fisher

• Current position: Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration , Assistant Secretary
• Refusal to certify: General Municipal Elections, Cobb County 2023: Fischer voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote. 

Nancy Jester

• Current position: DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections, Board Member
• Refusal to certify: DeKalb County, General Municipal Election 2023: Jester and another member of the DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote. 

Anthony Lewis

• Refusal to certify: DeKalb County, Primary Election 2022: Lewis voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote. DeKalb County, General Municipal Election 2023: Lewis refused to certify the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

Julie Adams

• Current position: Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, Republican Member
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Preference Primary, Fulton County March 2024: Adams and Michael Heekin voted against certifying the primary results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote. Primary Election, Fulton County May 2024: Adams abstained from certifying the primary.

Michael Heekin

• Current position: Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, Vice Chair
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Preference Primary, Fulton County March 2024: Heekin and Julie Adams voted against certifying the primary results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

David Hancock

• Current position: Gwinnett County Board of Registration and Elections, Member
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Primary Election, Gwinnett County 2024: Hancock was the sole member to vote against certifying the results of the primary but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Alice O’Lenick  

• Refusal to certify: 2020 General Election, Gwinnett County: After first voting to certify the election results with the unanimous Gwinnett County Board of Registration, O’Lenick voted against certifying the results of the recount but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote.

Roy McClain

• Current position: Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, Secretary
• Refusal to certify: Spalding County, General Municipal Election 2023: McClain voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 2 to 1 vote.

Legal remedies under Georgia law

Georgia law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Current position: Esmeralda Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 2
• Refusal to certify: Esmeralda County, Primary Election, 2022: Winsor and another County Commissioner who is no longer in office, Timothy Hipp, successfully delayed certification .

Rex Steninger

• Current position: Elko County Board of Commissioners, County Commissioner  
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Elko County, Recount 2022: Steninger voted against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Jeanne Herman

• Current position: Washoe County Board of Commissioners, Vice Chair and County Commissioner, District 5
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Washoe County, 2020: Herman was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election, Washoe County 2022: Herman was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. General Election, Washoe County, 2022: Herman was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election, Washoe County, 2024: Herman and Michael Clark voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election Recount, Washoe County, 2024: Herman and two other commissioners vote d against certifying the recounts of the election results in one race for a commission seat and one race for a local school board seat, successfully outvoting the other two members of the commission. The board ultimately voted to certify the recounts under threat of removal and criminal prosecution. Herman was the lone holdout.

Michael Clark

• Current position: Washoe County Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 2
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Preference Primary, Washoe County, 2024: Clark was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election, Washoe County, 2024: Clark and Jeanne Herman voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election Recount, Washoe County, 2024: Clark and two other commissioners vote d against certifying the recounts of the election results in one race for a commission seat and one race for a local school board seat, successfully outvoting the other two members of the commission. Clark ultimately reversed his position and voted to certify under threat of removal and criminal prosecution.

Clara Andriola

• Current position: Washoe County Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 4
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election Recount, Washoe County, 2024: Andriola and two other commissioners vote d against certifying the recounts of the election results in one race for a commission seat and one race for a local school board seat, successfully outvoting the other two members of the commission. Andriola ultimately reversed her position and voted to certify under threat of removal and criminal prosecution.

Legal remedies under Nevada law

Nevada law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing courts to remove county officials who refuse to perform their official duties

Gerald Matherly

• Current position: Otero Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 1, Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Otero County, 2022: Matherly, Couy Griffin and the other commissioner, Vickie Marquardt, voted unanimously against certifying the primary election. After the secretary of state sued the board and threatened a criminal referral, Matherly and Marquardt voted to certify . 

Vickie Marquardt

• Current position: Otero Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 3
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Otero County, 2022: Marquardt, Griffin and Matherly voted unanimously against certifying the primary election. After the secretary of state sued the board and threatened a criminal referral, Marquardt and Matherly voted to certify . 
• Current position: Sandoval Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 2
• Refusal to certify: Municipal Election, Sandoval County, 2022 : Commissioner Block voted against certifying the municipal election results for the Village of Jemez Springs but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 1 vote. Primary Election, Sandoval County 2022 : Commissioner Block voted against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote.  General Election, Sandoval County, 2022 : Commissioner Block voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote.

Legal remedies under New Mexico law

New Mexico law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

Elizabeth McDowell

• Current position: Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, Board Member, Secretary
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mecklenburg County, 2020. McDowell and Mary Potter Summa voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

Mary Potter Summa

• Current position: Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, Member
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mecklenburg County, 2020: Summa and Elizabeth McDowell voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

Surry County, NC

After the 2022 election, two members of the Surry County Board of Elections, Jerry Forestieri and Timothy DeHaan, refused to certify the election results. They wrote in a letter that they were protesting a federal court ruling they claimed was “illegal” and “pervert[ed] our election practices.” The State Board of Elections later removed both men from their county positions because, as the state board chair explained, “[t]hose who administer elections must follow the law as it is written, not how they want it to be.”

Although the officials involved in the Surry County certification refusal are no longer in office, we include the episode in this report because it is an illustrative example of effective state enforcement action.

Legal remedies under North Carolina law

North Carolina law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing the State Board of Elections to intervene if a county board refuses to certify
• Legal mechanisms authorizing the State Board of Elections to remove county officials who refuse to perform their official duties

Samuel DeMarco

• Current position: Allegheny County Council, At Large Council Representative ; Allegheny County Elections Board, Member
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Allegheny County, 2020: DeMarco voted against certifying the election results on November 23, 2020 but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 2 to 1 vote. DeMarco voted against certifying amended results on November 25 but was again unsuccessful by a 2 to 1 vote.  

Christian Leinbach

• Current position: Berks County Board of Commissioners, Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Berks County, 2022 : After initially voting to certify an election result that excluded ballots that, despite being timely received, missed a handwritten date, Leinbach refused to recertify a result that complies with the law and includes all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county board complied. 

Michael Rivera

• Current position: Berks County Board of Commission, Vice-Chair
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Berks County, 2022 : After initially voting to certify an election result that excluded ballots that, despite being timely received, missed a handwritten date, Rivera refused to recertify a result that complies with the law and includes all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county board complied. 
• Current position: Fayette County Commission, County Commissioner , Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Fayette County, 2022: According to the Joint Stipulation in the litigation around the certification in Fayette County, the board certified an election result that excluded ballots which, although timely received, did not include a handwritten date. Dunn and the Fayette County board then refused to recertify a result that complied with the law and included all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county board complied.

Ray D’Agostino

• Current position: Lancaster County Commission, County Commissioner, Vice-Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Lancaster County, 2022 : D’Agostino voted to convene the count and canvass of the election. According to the Joint Stipulation in the litigation around the certification in Lancaster County, the board certified an election result that excluded ballots which, although timely received, did not include a  handwritten date. The Lancaster County Commission then refused to recertify a result that complied with the law and included all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance, and the county commission complied.

Joshua Parsons

• Current position: Lancaster County Commission, County Commissioner , Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Lancaster County, 2022 : Parsons initially voted to canvass the election. According to the Joint Stipulation in the litigation around the certification in Lancaster County, the board certified an election result that excluded ballots which, although timely received, did not include a handwritten date. The Lancaster County Commission then refused to recertify a result that complied with the law and included all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county commission complied.

Alyssa Fusaro

• Current position: Luzerne County, Board of Elections and Registration, Vice-Chair
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Luzerne County, 2022: Fusaro and another member of the board voted against certification at the Board’s first meeting resulting in a 2 to 2 deadlock with one abstention that prevented certification of the election results. At a subsequent special meeting, Fusaro and another member again voted against certification of the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a vote of 3 to 2.

Daniel Schramm

• Current position: Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration, Secretary
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Luzerne County, 2022. Schramm abstained from the initial vote to certify the election results, which resulted in a 2 to 2 vote and certification being denied. At a subsequent special meeting, Schramm voted with the majority to certify the election by a vote of 3 to 2. At a second vote two days later, Schramm voted yes and the election was certified. 

Scott Hough

• Current position: Northampton County Election Division, Vice Chair
• Refusal to certify: Municipal Elections, Northampton County, 2023. Hough voted against certifying the election results, but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a vote of 4 to 1.  

Legal remedies under Pennsylvania law

Pennsylvania law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing courts to sanction and punish county officials who defy court orders to certify election results
• Legal mechanisms for removing county officials who refuse to perform their official duties

Unlike the states discussed above, none of the county officials in Michigan who previously voted against certifying elections remain in office. Nonetheless, this report includes Michigan because of the history of attempted county-level certification abuse in the state, as well as the state’s successful efforts in thwarting such abuse.

Prior election certification refusals

Wayne county, mi, 2020.

The first significant certification dispute in recent times happened in Wayne County, when County Board of Canvassers Monica Palmer and William Hartmann initially refused to certify the 2020 general election results over baseless claims of voter fraud. 

In response to the Wayne County incident, Michigan voters amended their constitution in 2022 to make clear that county officials have a “ministerial, clerical, nondiscretionary duty…to certify election results based solely on…statements of returns from the precincts and absent voter counting boards in the county and any corrected returns.”

Delta County, MI, 2024

In April 2024, two members of the Delta County Board of Canvassers, Bonnie Hakkola and LeeAnn Oman, refused to certify the results of a special recall election for County Administrator because they did not believe the results were statistically accurate and wanted a recount. 

Legal remedies under Michigan law

Michigan law also provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing the Board of State Canvassers to certify an election if a county board refuses to do so

Federal legal remedies

Because the states administer elections, they are the first lines of defense against county-level certification subversion. But the federal government also has a vital role in enforcing relevant federal statutes and constitutional provisions protecting the right to vote. Thus, if a state is unable or unwilling to take action against rogue county officials who threaten to disenfranchise voters in violation of federal law, the U.S. Department of Justice should intervene. 

Here are some of the federal criminal and civil remedies available to protect against certification abuse at the county level:

Sections 11(a) and 12(c) of the Voting Rights Act

Section 11(a) of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) (codified at 52 U.S.C. § 10307(a)) is the federal statute most clearly implicated by a county official’s willful refusal to certify election results. It provides: “No person acting under color of law shall…willfully fail or refuse to tabulate, count, and report” a “vote” of any “person…qualified to vote.”

Section 12(c) of the VRA (codified at 52 U.S.C. § 10308(c)) makes it a crime to conspire with others to violate other provisions of the VRA, including section 11(a).

18 U.S.C. § 241 (conspiracy against rights) and 18 U.S.C. § 242 (deprivation of rights under color of law)

County officials’ refusal to certify could also violate what federal prosecutors have called the two primary statutes that criminalize the actions of governmental officials who abuse their authority to deprive their fellow citizens of their constitutional rights: conspiracy against rights, 18 U.S.C. § 241, and deprivation of rights under color of law, 18 U.S.C. § 242.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 241, it is a felony to “conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate” an individual “in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States,” including the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 242, it is a misdemeanor for any person acting under color of law to “willfully” deprive a person “of any rights, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States,” including the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.

Other federal provisions

County officials’ refusal to certify election results could also implicate various other federal constitutional and statutory provisions, including the First, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments and section 101(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars states from denying the right to vote based on an error or omission that is not “material” to the voter’s qualifications.

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Trump and Allies Forge Plans to Increase Presidential Power in 2025

The former president and his backers aim to strengthen the power of the White House and limit the independence of federal agencies.

Donald J. Trump intends to bring independent regulatory agencies under direct presidential control. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times

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By Jonathan Swan Charlie Savage and Maggie Haberman

• Published July 17, 2023 Updated July 18, 2023

Donald J. Trump and his allies are planning a sweeping expansion of presidential power over the machinery of government if voters return him to the White House in 2025, reshaping the structure of the executive branch to concentrate far greater authority directly in his hands.

Their plans to centralize more power in the Oval Office stretch far beyond the former president’s recent remarks that he would order a criminal investigation into his political rival, President Biden, signaling his intent to end the post-Watergate norm of Justice Department independence from White House political control.

Mr. Trump and his associates have a broader goal: to alter the balance of power by increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House, according to a review of his campaign policy proposals and interviews with people close to him.

Mr. Trump intends to bring independent agencies — like the Federal Communications Commission, which makes and enforces rules for television and internet companies, and the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces various antitrust and other consumer protection rules against businesses — under direct presidential control.

He wants to revive the practice of “impounding” funds, refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated for programs a president doesn’t like — a tactic that lawmakers banned under President Richard Nixon.

He intends to strip employment protections from tens of thousands of career civil servants, making it easier to replace them if they are deemed obstacles to his agenda. And he plans to scour the intelligence agencies, the State Department and the defense bureaucracies to remove officials he has vilified as “the sick political class that hates our country.”

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