A citizen is a person who belongs to and participates in the life of a community or nation. A person who is a citizen of the United States, for example, has certain rights such as the right to vote and the right to run for elected office. A person who is a citizen of any country has certain duties such as paying taxes and obeying the law. A good citizen is someone who follows a code of conduct that promotes fairness, justice and morality. A good citizen also knows how to use the tools of politics to improve the world in which he or she lives.
The concept of citizenship is based on core cultural values that differ from nation to nation. For example, some Native American communities define being a good citizen in terms of meeting the needs of the human and nonhuman residents in their specific region. Others, such as the Pueblo Indians of the arid Southwest, define being a good citizen in terms of protecting their natural resources.
Citizenship is an important part of society because it allows people to participate in government and share in the decisions that affect their lives. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, seven out of 10 Americans say that voting is a very important aspect of citizenship. In addition to being able to vote, citizens can serve on public boards and committees and contribute to the economy of their nation.
Citizenship is important because it gives people a sense of belonging and a belief that they have an obligation to their fellow citizens. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints defines being a good citizen as living according to the Gospel and helping others do so, embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ, and promoting the peace and progress of humanity. According to Church president Gordon B. Hinckley, parents have sacred responsibilities to raise responsible citizens.
The term citizen comes from the Latin root of citizen, meaning “subject.” In ancient Greece, only people who were citizens of a city or town could participate in the decision-making process of that political entity. Today, the word has broadened to mean anyone who owes allegiance to and is entitled to the protection of a sovereign state. Other related words are subject, national and sovereign.
Regardless of the definition, being a good citizen requires an understanding of how the democratic system works. In order to make informed decisions, one must be knowledgeable about the laws of the land and the history of his or her country. It is also important to know how to effectively communicate with politicians, especially during election time.
Besides understanding how the democratic system works, being a good citizen also requires an ability to defend the principles of democracy against attacks by those who disagree with them. This takes a strong sense of diplomacy, tenacity and grace under fire. A good citizen is also someone who respects the rights of others and understands the importance of civil disobedience.