CITIZENSHIP

CITIZENSHIP

Generally speaking, citizenship means balancing rights and responsibilities. So,

almost every modem state, especially a democracy, allows its

citizens several rights ; but in return, it experts its citizens to perform

certain duties.

Among the rights enjoyed by the citizen in a democracy are the right

to pursue his own affairs as he prefers; the right to express his views,

however silly they may appear to others, and the right to move about as

he pleases. The citizen is considered so important that his rights are

protected by the law of the state, and whenever they are infringed, he

can secure redress.

However, in a totalitarian (undemocratic) state, the rights of the citizen are so

restricted that the citizen has practically no freedom. The citizen is supposed to

exist for the state. His interests are always subordinated to those of the state.

Thus, his duties exceed his rights.

Even in a democracy, however, the citizen is expected to exercise his

rights within the limits of the law. He should not do or say anything that

may affect the rights of others. He cannot exercise his right to act as he pleases.

In the same way, his actions should not cause injury or damage to any individual or

his property. He cannot kill as he pleases. If his conduct infringes the rights of

others, then those who have been affected by his misconduct could take legal action

against him and he will be punished according to the law of the state. In this way,

the state protects its citizens and their rights from the thoughtlessness of any

individual in the state. This means, of course, that every citizen in the state is

expected to do his duty to his fellow citizens.

The citizen is also expected to give his services for the protection of

the state in times of war, and to maintain law and order in his state, at all times.

In addition, a citizen should always be ready to volunteer for the common good of

his community by helping the needy and keeping the community safe from any sort of

danger.

Thus, every citizen who is conscious of his rights should also be

conscious of his duties to the state and his fellow citizens in the community.