From Chapter 18 — The Duty of Citizens
Citizenship in the United States of America includes both rights and responsibilities. While much attention is often given to the rights protected by the Constitution, the continued functioning of a constitutional republic also depends on the willingness of citizens to fulfill certain civic duties.
One aspect of civic responsibility is the expectation that citizens remain informed about the system of government under which they live. Understanding the Constitution, the structure of government, and the laws that govern public life allows citizens to participate meaningfully in public affairs.
Citizens also contribute to the health of the republic through lawful civic participation. This participation may take many forms, including voting in elections, engaging in public discussion, serving on juries, participating in community organizations, and communicating with elected representatives.