What America is all about

[Guest Guest_Michael_*]

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a

more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity,

provide for the common defence, promote the general

Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and

our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the

United States of America." Thats how it starts off, all for the following reasons:

"The right to vote is a duty as well as a privilege. It is important for all citizens to vote in every election to make sure that the democratic, representative system of government is maintained. Persons who do not vote lose their voice in the government."

Every person is expected to obey the laws of the community, state and country in which he/she lives. All Americans are expected to respect the rights of others. All persons living in the U.S. are expected to pay their income taxes and other taxes honestly and on time. The tax money is used by different government agencies to pay for the services provided to Americans, such as:

Protection of life, rights, property, and safety: Police, fire and rescue squads, court system, armed forces

Health: Pure water and food, inspected milk and meat, maintaining hospitals, etc.

Education: Public schools and libraries

Maintenance, repair and building of roads, highways and streets

Conservation or protection of wildlife, forests, natural resources

Protection of savings, by inspecting banks and insuring savings in banks

Relief and aid: In emergencies for droughts, floods

To be a responsible member of one’s community, citizens can volunteer their services to help obtain needed improvements. Active membership on local school boards and in parent-teacher associations can help to improve educational services. Citizens can take an active part in the community by offering their knowledge and talents to different local organizations or committees. Participation in town meetings, public hearings and community projects is important for community improvement and for finding out the problems that need to be solved.