The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Rights of American Citizens
Most rights we have fall into one of three general categories: security, equality, and liberty. Security Security means protection from unfair and unreasonable actions by the government. The government, for example, cannot arrest, imprison, or punish people or search or seize their property without good reason and without following certain rules. The principle of “due process of law” protects these rights for all Americans. The due process clause, which is found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, states that no person shall be deprived of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Due process means that the laws must be fair and reasonable, must be in accordance with the Constitution, and must apply to everyone equally. Due process also applies to property rights. If a state takes property to build a highway, it must pay the property owner(s) a fair amount for their losses. Equality The right of equality means that everyone is entitled to the equal protection of all the laws in the United states. That is, all people have a right to be treated the same, regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs. This right is found in the Fourteenth Amendment. Liberty Our fundamental freedoms fall into this category. Most of then are spelled out in the Bill of Rights and the so-called “Civil War Amendments.”
Duties and Responsibilities
We have an obligation to carry out certain duties and responsibilities. Duties are things we are required to do; if we fail to perform them, we are subject to legal penalties, such as fines or imprisonment. Responsibilities are things we should do. We fulfill these obligations voluntarily. Fulfilling both our duties and our responsibilities helps ensure that we have good government and that we continue to enjoy our rights. Duties include: 1. Obeying the laws 2. Paying taxes 3. Defending the nation 4. Serving in court 5. Attending school 6. Voting Responsibilities include: 1. Being informed about the government and knowing your rights in order to preserve them 2. Participating in government 3. Respecting the rights of others 4. Respecting diversity
Most rights we have fall into one of three general categories: security, equality, and liberty. Security Security means protection from unfair and unreasonable actions by the government. The government, for example, cannot arrest, imprison, or punish people or search or seize their property without good reason and without following certain rules. The principle of “due process of law” protects these rights for all Americans. The due process clause, which is found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, states that no person shall be deprived of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Due process means that the laws must be fair and reasonable, must be in accordance with the Constitution, and must apply to everyone equally. Due process also applies to property rights. If a state takes property to build a highway, it must pay the property owner(s) a fair amount for their losses. Equality The right of equality means that everyone is entitled to the equal protection of all the laws in the United states. That is, all people have a right to be treated the same, regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs. This right is found in the Fourteenth Amendment. Liberty Our fundamental freedoms fall into this category. Most of then are spelled out in the Bill of Rights and the so-called “Civil War Amendments.”
Duties and Responsibilities
We have an obligation to carry out certain duties and responsibilities. Duties are things we are required to do; if we fail to perform them, we are subject to legal penalties, such as fines or imprisonment. Responsibilities are things we should do. We fulfill these obligations voluntarily. Fulfilling both our duties and our responsibilities helps ensure that we have good government and that we continue to enjoy our rights. Duties include: 1. Obeying the laws 2. Paying taxes 3. Defending the nation 4. Serving in court 5. Attending school 6. Voting Responsibilities include: 1. Being informed about the government and knowing your rights in order to preserve them 2. Participating in government 3. Respecting the rights of others 4. Respecting diversity
Is This Important? Do I Have to Know This?
This is really important because it is the rights and responsibilities that all American citizens have. It is extremely important to know as well because if you are planning on staying an American citizen, or becoming an American citizen then you should probably have an understanding of the rights you possess and the responsibilities that come along with being a citizen.
Link to Information:
http://www.judgefernandez.com/pdfs/rights_and_responsibilities.pdf
http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/social-issues-rights-vs-responsibilities/4750.aspx
http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/social-issues-rights-vs-responsibilities/4750.aspx