Citizenship In America

by Amanda LoCascio

The American Heritage Dictionary defines citizenship as, The status of a citizen with its attendant duties, rights, and privileges. Citizenship in America has a deeper meaning to me; a unique gift of freedom and rights that no other country has given its citizens. Yet, in America, citizens are so often focused on our rights and privileges that many of us forget what our duties are.  Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “There is a debt of service due from every man to his country.” I believe this is true and necessary to preserve the Republic. Each of us has a civic duty to do our share. Even children my age can serve this civic duty, by performing community service, getting an education and obeying the law.

The Bill of Rights was first drafted by James Madison in 1789 to prevent our newly formed government from using its power to intimidate and persecute individual citizens: but if we don’t exercise our rights, could they be taken away? We have freedom of speech and the right to vote, but many citizens don’t speak up or vote in elections. Good citizens must voice their opinions and vote because our representative government should represent the “will of the people”.

An important part of American citizenship is allegiance. When I say the Pledge of Allegiance I think about what it really means. Am I loyal; do I support the Republic? Those who take the Oath of Citizenship should ask themselves: will they be faithful? Will they support and defend the United States against all enemies? These are serious obligations we should make ourselves honor.  Those in the Armed Forces show this allegiance every day. By supporting them, and all the veterans who served before, we show our loyalty.

Our first national motto was E pluribus unum, from many, one. One strong nation of citizens from different backgrounds willing to work hard for prosperity and who value education. One citizen body that is energetic and engaged. One nation who never forgets the sacrifices that many have made to keep us free. One nation of American citizens who improve their communities, obey laws and respect each other’s civil rights. To me, this is how citizenship in America is defined.