In the context of U.S. civics, obligations of citizens refer to actions that are required by law, meaning citizens are legally bound to fulfill them. These include:
- Paying taxes – Citizens must pay taxes to support government services and infrastructure.
- Obeying laws – Following federal, state, and local laws is mandatory.
- Jury duty – Citizens may be called to serve on a jury, which is a legal obligation.
On the other hand, responsibilities are actions that citizens should take to contribute to the well-being of their community and democracy, but they are not legally mandated. These include:
- Voting – Participating in elections is strongly encouraged to influence governance.
- Staying informed – Citizens should keep themselves educated about current events and civic issues.
- Community service – Volunteering and helping others in the community is a vital responsibility.
In summary, obligations are legally required actions, while responsibilities are expected behaviors that promote active citizenship.