Do you have to participate in your government?

Answer 1

There is no requirement that a citizen must participate in his or her government. However, every citizen is required to obey the laws of the town, city, state, and national government. To not participate means you do not have the opportunity to voice your opinion and make it count for something regarding those laws. If you do not vote, you do not help elect people that have ideas for government you share. If you do not attend town meetings, the town may decide to do something your participation in may have been important. By not participating, you do not understand what and why something is happening. Participation does not just mean getting elected to an office. Participation is something as simple as reading the paper, listening to other's opinions, and respecting the views of your friends. It is also attending school meetings to make sure you know the important things going on in your child's education. It may be as simple as speaking up to your friends about an issue that effects you all, or voluntering with a political party or organization. It may be as simple as taking a government class at school or college.