It is not an untold secret that both government and people are bind together in an interdependent relationship. It means that that there is a reciprocal relationship between the government and the citizens that demands a give and take approach (Callahan 174). Just as citizens are liable to follow the laws and rules and regulations set up by the government; the government is also answerable to the citizens for all its actions.
As far as citizens are concerned, I think that this collaborative association with the government tests them to find the time and to remain involved for the betterment of all. It is exceedingly necessary for the citizens to get awareness regarding the governmental functions in order to be acquainted with both prospects and restraints. As citizens, it is their duty to leave expedient personal impetus behind and come to the table for the interest of the public. The development and sustenance of the mentioned collaborative relationships are dependent on the participation of citizens. There are a number of roles that citizens must play in order to preserve their relationship with the government. These contributions include “participating in neighborhood associations, serving on school boards and advisory committees, attending public meetings and hearings, and encouraging their neighbors and friends to do the same” (Callahan 208).
Such contributions may help the citizens to become dynamic and concerned members of their communities. The development of trustworthy associations, relationships and networks is dependent on this kind of active and involved participation. This kind of involvement also helps citizens to have a greater understanding of the system and governance style. The power that is consequently attained also let people to hold the government officials answerable for their activities (Callahan 208). In my opinion, my relationship with the government can become better once I understand my duties, responsibilities and rights. I believe that there are numerous rights and responsibilities that I should practice and respect being a citizen of my country.
I believe that it is my responsibility to act as an involved contributor and possessor of the government. As a citizen, I shall try to develop a productive, meaningful and evocative relationship with the government. It is my responsibility as a citizen to identify and realize that I have certain duties to discharge. An active role on my part can help the government to improve its services and make decisions for the people. By assuming an active role, I can even challenge the authorities for their undertakings. I also believe that as a citizen, it is my utmost duty to look beyond my self-interests for the betterment of the community. This will become easier if I start taking interest in public affairs and to feel the troubles and tribulations of others. I believe that I can gain this understanding of mutuality if I start thinking about the consequences of my actions (as a citizen) on the society. To cut a long story short, my behavior as a citizen has a great impact on the improvement of societal conditions.
I believe that as a law-abiding citizen, I must discharge my duties lawfully. The first and foremost responsibility that I have as a citizen is to hold up and protect the Constitution of the State. Secondly, I shall always be informed regarding the different issues that have a direct/indirect effect on the community. Thirdly, it is also my chief responsibility to be an efficient participant in the maintenance of the democratic system. Fourthly, it is also important for me to have respect and obedience for the laws made up by the local, state and federal governments. As a citizen, it is my responsibility to value other peoples’ opinions, respect their rights and revere their beliefs (religious, political etc.). My participation in the affairs of the local community is also my major responsibility as a dynamic civilian.
One of the most important responsibilities that I have as a citizen is to make sure that all my taxes are paid without any delay. Last but not the least; I believe that I shall serve my country in the time of need.
I have already mentioned that there is a reciprocal relationship between the government and the citizens. Therefore, there are certain things that I expect from government as a citizen. I believe that it is the responsibility of the government to grant me the freedom for expressing myself and my opinions openly. I also expect the government to let me worship according to my wish. The government should not interfere in people’s religious beliefs. It is also expected of the government to give its citizens the tight to a timely and just trial by the judicial system. I also think that it is very essential for the government to allow its citizens to vote in elections for the people they assume as fair and honest. It is also the duty of a government to make sure that the physiological and safety needs of its citizens are met properly and appropriately. Moreover, it is the fiscal responsibility of the government to ensure that its activities are assessed and monitored in a careful manner for the long-term sustainability.
Recently, I was driving home with my family when a police officer asked us to stop to check for drugs and alcohol. It was a bad thing from his end as there was no apparent reason to stop us for checking. This was a time when I felt that it was an unfair thing to do. He insisted on looking inside our car which I think was rude. Although we knew that we could refuse to let him search the car, we remained silent. I think that it is the responsibility of the officials to have proper information before asking people to stop and get their vehicles searched. I believe that is the violation of my rights as a citizen as I was with my family and it was really offensive to be stopped and searched like that. I think that it was unfair to check us on the basis of suspicion and without any reasonable evidence. Individualized suspicion is necessary in such cases. Thus, it is one of the laws that I would like to make an amendment to.
It is important to mention here that Thomas Jefferson believed in the rewriting of the Constitution from scratch. He asserted that every American generation must rewrite the laws according to its time and circumstances. However, the conditions are opposite as the Constitution of the United States of America cannot be touched for any amendment (Phillips). Being the citizen of a democratic country, I believe that I have both rights and responsibilities. I believe that I must invest time and hard work in order to be productive towards my community and country. In my opinion, the success and failure of the government is dependent on my participation. I don’t think that it is enough to just go out and vote and to let the elected officials do whatever they want. However, the government officials are also required to discharge their duties in an honest and vigilant manner. The reciprocal relationship can turn out as beneficial only then. Thus, making a country peaceful and fit for human habitation is only possible when both people and government realize their roles and responsibilities and agree to work hand in hand for the development and progression of the nation. To conclude, it is the need of the time to get aware of one’s roles and responsibilities as the citizen of a state that has given so much to us.
Works Cited
Callahan, Kathe. Elements of Effective Governance: Measurement, Accountability and Participation. Boca Raton: CRC/Taylor & Francis, 2007. Print.
Hutchins, Amber Lee. Roles, Responsibilities, and Responses: The Intersection of Journalism and Public Relations in the Armstrong Williams, Mcmanus and Gallagher, and El Nuevo Hearald Ethics Controversies. Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest, 2008. Print.
Phillips, Christopher. Constitution Cafe: Jefferson's Brew for a True Revolution. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2011. Print.
