My Responsibilities To America

Abi H. Civic Reflection Issue 1- Change in Point of View: In Canada, voter turnout has become a major issue; as there is a large amount of the population that does not vote in elections. Back in 2008, a total of 58% of the countries` population voted in the election. This is a startling low number, which since has begun to increase only slightly in recent years. In a democratic society, voting is essential for it to function with its full potential. Doing so enacts one of your basic responsibilities as a citizen, as well as shows that you are staying involved in your community and government.

What’s the best right that we have in Canada? Well, of course it’s the right to vote. In Canada, everyone is entitled the right to vote as long as they fit 2 requirements which are to be a Canadian Citizen and 18 years of age or older. It might have taken a while for some particular groups to get the right to vote, but today all groups are allowed to vote if the 2 requirements are met. Canadians have been voting since 1792 in Upper and Lower Canada elections, but have been voting in one united election in 1867, when we formed as one united nation known as Canada.

Voting is one of the many civic duties, as an American citizen, that is the most exercised. In the recent years, the voter turnout has increased from the previous years, but the turnout is still less than desired. In the 2008 presidential election alone, 61.7% of the eligible United States population voted and 53.7% of the eligible Texan population voted. This is much better than previous years, but still does not show a collective effort on the part of all eligible populations to vote. Americans have been known to have low voter turnouts.

David Setaris wrote an important reflection and criticisms about the undecided voters in the American elections. Information is crucial for all voters when making the decision about which candidate will be better as leader for the American people. Analyzing the candidate platform, their point of view, and perspectives are important things to look for when making the right decision .Undecided and confused voters are an easily influential target, who end up making the wrong decision .Political affiliation and decisions are individual rights that should always be respected.

"A vote is like a rifle it depends on the character of the user". said by Theodore Roosevelt. I believe that everyone should ‘vote in America, It would determine a better President, There would be less argument throughout the country, And the voting in America would improve a lot. The most people that are not happy about their President is the ones that don 't vote. 76% of people vote in the USA. Everyone should vote in America "If everybody in this country voted” the economist John Kenneth Galbraith said, “the Democrats would be in for the next 100 years”.

“ While compulsion of any kind is a restriction, so is the compulsion to drive only on the right side of the road.” ( “Is It Time To Consider Mandatory Voting Laws? Worsening Voting Statistics Make a Strong Case.” by John W. Dean.) One way voter turnout can increase is by compulsory (required) voting.

As citizens of The United States of America, voting is arguably one of the most important political rights we hold. Progressively throughout history more and more people were allotted this right, until it became a freedom of every legal citizen. Although, looking at the statistics we see that non-voting in America hits drastic percentages with the numbers of participants declining each time. This historic issue is neglected to be seen as a problem, and is still over looked by some political scientists. In E.E Schattschneiders book, The Semi Sovereign People, he explains why this is in fact an issue.

All american citizens are raised with the knowledge that they are required to participate in the governance of their nation. This is, perhaps, at odds with the execution of that participation. One of the issues with most individuals growing up in our society is one of agency. Many young people are told they are not ready to make decisions for themselves. That they lack experience and knowledge.

In this essay, I will analyze the very relevant issue of voter turnout. In fact, in the last few years, there have been a very small number of people involved in politics and citizens have behaved in an increasingly passive and apathetic way toward political matters. This demonstrates the weakness in the working process of modern democracies. If we look at the history, for example going back in the Athenian democracy, where all citizens, included the lower classes, participated actively in the politics, or if we think about the fight for universal suffrage, it is very shocking to realize that people of our century seem not really to use their right to vote. Hence, this clearly makes us question the causes of this apathy.

Being responsible to America can be achieved in multiple ways. From voting to serving in our armed forces you can be responsible in America. Being in the military is one of the highest responsibilities to America. You can be responsible by doing small things. There are many benefits to being responsible.

My Responsibility to America by Brett Rosendahl I feel like I have many responsibilities to others and America. Looking out for friends and family is one of them. Being a good role model is another. Being a good person in general to other people is my third responsibility. I think that you really never stop having responsibilities, you just get more as you grow older.

An issue I am passionate about is… …feminism. I believe that there is a common misconception, particularly by men, that once voting rights for women were established, feminism was no longer necessary. Unfortunately though, that is definitely not the case. Women still make less money than men for the same jobs, sexual assault cases are way too frequent, and women are underrepresented in almost every professional field.