CONTENT STATEMENT
In the United States, people have rights that protect them from undue governmental interference. Rights carry responsibilities that help define how people use their rights and that require respect for the rights of others.
Content elaboration
People in the United States have claims to protection from government intrusion in certain aspects of their lives. These claims are called rights. The federal Bill of Rights not only enumerates many rights, but alludes to other unstated rights.
Many of the rights held by American citizens protect the ability to participate in the political process, such as speech, press, assembly, petition, suffrage, and hold public office. The U.S. Supreme Court, in its interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s due process clause, has instituted the doctrine of incorporation meaning that most of the guarantees in the Bill of Rights also apply to state and local governments.
There are general responsibilities of citizenship. They include respecting the rule of law, paying taxes and fees, and accepting responsibility for one’s actions. There also are responsibilities associated with the exercise of particular rights. Examples include:
- right of free speech – engaging in civil discourse;
- right to bear arms – receiving firearms training;
- right to jury trial – serving on juries; and
- right to vote – registering to vote and being informed on public issues.
Citizenship also includes service to the nation which guarantees the rights of the people. This may include military service, community service and serving in public office. Individual rights are relative, not absolute. The exercise of rights must be balanced by the rights of others and by the common good.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain how the fulfillment of civic responsibilities is related to the exercise of rights in the United States.