Being An Informed Citizen

There are many components that factor into what being a citizen means. A good citizen does everything in their power to be a contributing member of society. Every citizen has responsibilities, rights, and duties to improve the communities they are a part of.
A citizen has many responsibilities that impact not only their lives, but the nation as a whole. These responsibilities include: serving on a jury, voting, and being an informed citizen. Jury duty is the highest duty of a citizen. Jury duty is when a citizen sits on a panel with their peers in a court case and determine if the defendant is innocent or guilty. The United States Judicial system cannot function without a jury because the jury is part of the system’s checks and balances. Another responsibility is voting. Voting gives citizens the right to choose leaders in the community and nation. It is a citizen's responsibility to vote because the person incharge will make many decisions that impact everyone in their area. An important responsibility that is often overlooked is being an informed citizen. Being an informed citizen will help when choosing the right candidate to vote and forming opinions on topics surrounding the country. It is important to know

the pros and cons of each issue in the nation so the right choice will be made. All of these responsibilities are tied together by the fact that they all influence each other.
Citizens of America have rights that are listed in the Bill of Rights.

These rights include: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a public and speedy trial. Freedom of speech allows citizens to voice their opinions on all matters and suggest things to the government. Without this right, people would not have a say in any matter and America would cease to be a Democracy. Another right is freedom of religion. This allows citizens to believe what they want to believe and have the ability to practice those beliefs. The right to a speedy and public trial means that if someone was ever prosecuted for a crime they would be judged by a jury of their peers and would not have to wait for years to have a trial. There are many more citizen

rights.
Citizens can improve their communities and be better citizens by volunteering and obeying laws. Volunteer opportunities include: volunteering on a committee, at a hospital, and with various organizations. Laws are put in place to protect people and when laws are obeyed it creates a safe environment for families to thrive.. Both of these things, volunteering and obeying laws, support growth as a citizen and a community and safety.
If every citizen knows their responsibilities, rights, and ways that they can improve their communities they can be good citizens. Good citizens are what improves the stability and unity in the United States of America, without them it would not be the same.