Matthew Page

March 7, 2016
Calvin Coolidge
Citizenship
The people of our country are sovereign. They have no right to say they do not care.
They must care! Calvin Coolidge once said this quote referring to a person's civic duty as an
American. Coolidge is saying that everyone has the absolute power to speak their mind.
Everyone has to care and vote for democracy to work, because of democracy the people in our
country are sovereign. Being a United States citizen is truly a privilege compared to some other
countries. As citizens we must carry out our responsibilities, while enjoying our privileges.
With great power comes great responsibility, every citizen has great power but also a load
of responsibilities. Every citizen must abide by the laws of the federal government, which keeps
order within the country. Citizens are also expected to defend our country and constitution if
such problems arise. In a country where freedom of speech and freedom of the press is in the
constitution, there is an importance that all citizens remain respectful of the rights and beliefs of
others. Any person who works and/or owns land has a responsibility to pay either income or
property tax honestly. Another responsibility for a citizen is the dreaded letter you get in the mail
to attend jury duty. Jury duty in turn gives accused criminals the chance at a fair trial. Finally,
attending town meeting is a responsibility because new england is the only place in the world
with town meeting. Town meeting is a place with open democracy and everyone can speak their
mind.
One of the best privileges in the United States is freedom to express yourself. Expressing
yourself gives you the right to stand up for your beliefs. A citizen also has the right to worship as
they wish without prosecution or repercussion. If you do however get accused of a crime you

have the right to a fair trial by jury. A great privilege as a citizen is being about to vote in
elections for public office. Last but not least you have the freedom to pursue life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness.