Citizenship in America, Research Paper Example

Louis Brandeis (1937) “the only title in our democracy equal to president’s title is that of citizen.” Different countries have a different definition of citizenship. America in particular defines a citizen as someone who plays crucial role in the political community, having freedom and rights outlined in the constitution. One can earn American citizenship either by birth or by naturalization. In America, citizenship differs from totalitarian regimes; citizens have equal rights entrusted with responsibilities (United States Government). Therefore, it is a responsibility of each citizen to see that the government fulfils the purpose of its existence. The draft of U.S. constitution (1787) has a system of government. The governing power directly comes from the people, through free and fair election. Initially those with a stake in the society would determine the governing; they believed, those who had property chose the government. Only the white could vote since they had property. Rich members and their families easily won political offices. However, democracy turn out things that those who were not connected well and those who were not rich had the opportunity to run things. Today U.S. politics is not about who is eligible to vote but who will take time and trouble to go and vote. U.S. electoral system is less representative and more direct democracy. Citizens can use referendums to remove holders of offices even the president before the expiry of their terms. Citizens in America have more rights and freedoms; to think what they like, have their voices directly or collectively to their representatives. The American voters stay in touch and involved with their president and senators. They make telephone calls, sent emails, or even go in person to Washington or official office. Citizens in U.S. have the power to learn the happenings across the globe give comments and change what they do not like.

United Sates is the most liberal nation in the contemporary society. Given that its citizens have a strong sense of liberalism, they have distrust in state and insist that government powers should be very limited. Mary A. Glendon noted, “it is an obligation for American politicians both right and left wing to assert government mistrust (Buckley, 2006).” There are those who believe the primary role of the government is the rights of its citizens, others believe rights of an individual are the supreme value. Ronald .D said, “Trumps are Rights,” so interference on individual privileges should be resisted. The philosophy of communitarian maintains that, it is not the individual, but the community that is of supreme value. “Obligations cannot exist without right and vice versa” and education is the way to equip citizens assume their obligations in a constitutional democracy.

In American democracy, citizens thoroughly check constitution and monitor closely political leaders. They also protect principles and values of the constitution. In addition, citizens need to check instances where responsibilities may require them to subordinate their interests for the common good. They should draw a line between civic and personal responsibilities. Constitutional democracy dictates that no one can exist without the other. Traits like respect for individual, self-discipline, and human dignity are imperative for a healthy nation. American democracy cannot achieve its purpose without its citizens participating fully in public affairs. Traits of public character like civility, respect for law are crucial for political efficacy. “Civility costs nothing and buys everything.” Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1756). Citizens can take part in civic life through effective participation with promotion of the common good and preservation of individual rights. Participation of citizens in political life contrasts with the realm of social participation. Citizens should realize that their ability to perceive is required in political forums, for democracy diminishes when citizens stay away from politics.

Citizens must participate actively in political processes and be aware that there are many opportunities awaiting them beyond electoral politics. These include, attending political meetings, joining advocacy groups and participating in demonstrations. “As citizens you are rulers and the ruled, law abiding and lawgivers, the beginning and the end.” Aldai Stevenson (1956). For American democracy to endure, its citizens should be aware of the difficulty of creating free institutions needs participation of attentive citizenry. A notable change in citizenship in America is the use of the internet. This gives citizens the information on politics and government. For example, the website EnviroLink is devoted to the environment. Both citizens and organizations visit this website on issues like toxic waste and green house gas.

In conclusion, the journey of U.S. constitution from 1787 to date has been rough but has yield fruits for its citizens. Passion has been the driving force for U.S. citizens; somewhere between private and public, ideal and pragmatic, altruism and selfishness, lays a common ground which citizens built a prosperous and strong country. The United States of America, a flawless country incited by a promise of a better tomorrow. Indeed the only title in a democracy that is superior to that of the president is the title of citizen.

Works Cited

Basic Principles of Democracy Present in the Constitution and the Articles of Confederacy. Retrieved from http://thelackthereof.org/docs/gov/principals_of_dememocracy.html

Buckley, Kyle. A Republic or Democracy: What Every U.S. Citizen Should Know. Retrieved on May 15th, 2010 at 07:02 PM http://www.nillabyte.com/entry.php?316-A-Republic-Or-Democracy-What-Every-U.S.-Citizen-Should-Know

Dalton, Russel. Citizenship Norms and Political Participation in America: The Good News is….The Bad News is Wrong. CDACS Occasional Paper 2006-01 October 2006. Retrieved from http://www8.georgetown.edu/centers/cdacs/cid/daltonoccasionalpaper.pdf

U.S Department of State. Democracy in Action. http://www.state.gov/j/drl/democ/

United States Government. Government of the People: The Role of the Citizen. Retrieved from http://countrystudies.us/united-states/government-18.htm