11. Responsibilites of Citizenship




As citizens, people have several responsibilities to their nations. A critical component is participating in the social contract, the unwritten agreement that citizens have with their government. As part of the social contract, they agree to follow the rule of law in exchange for the benefits that the nation provides. One aspect of responsible citizenship is shown in the way people treat one another. Those who treat each other with politeness and respect are practising an aspect of citizenship known as civility.

For democracy to work, people must participate in elections. Otherwise, their voice is not heard, and the key basis on authority in democratic societies has ceased to exist.

Being informed about issues, contributing to political campaigns, and running for office are important aspects of participatory democracy. Another important way of acting responsibly is through making your voice heard. There are many other ways to participate in the political life of one's community. This type of involvement in one's community is known as citizen advocacy, which includes the following:

  • Writing letters to your local newspaper editor, MLA , MP, or the prime minister is a way for citizens to let their leaders know their views. Through this input the government can learn what people want and how voters may react to legislation.
  • Petitions involve writing one letter with many people signing it. A petition can be a very powerful way of showing the government what citizens want.
  • Protests and demonstrations draw attention to concerns. Although peaceful protests and demonstrations are acceptable ways of influencing decision-making, that they do not become illegal actions is important.

 
Although we know that voting is essential to the health of a democracy, voter apathy is a problem in many nations around the world.

The world map shown is distorted to reflect voter turnout around the world. Note that voter turnout in the liberal democracies on the map ranges from a low of 47% in the United States to a high of 95% in Australia, where voting is required by law.
 
Courtesy Worldmapper.com

Please watch the following video explain Canadian responsiblities:

 

Consumer Activism:




Read the following section in your text Perspectives on Ideology:
  • "Broader Understandings of Citizenship", pages 450 to 452
  • pages 465 to 466, beginning with the sentence "Another area in which..."