Civic Duty Summative

Civic Duty is defined as “the responsibilities of a citizen” (dictionary.com). Although this definition is very vague, it nevertheless gets to the heart of what civic duty truly is. As a U.S. citizen, a person is expected to serve their community in some way. Whether that way is through community service or not is up to that specific individual. Many would state that it is only their civic duty to do things for the government, like participate in voting or show up for jury duty. However, community service is a great way to give back to the community.
In a nutshell, doing community service through civic duty means that the person is going through a non-profit organization that gives back to the community. In order to be classified as a non-profit organization the organization must in some way be giving back charitably to their community and the IRS and the government must recognize them as a non-profit organization (nonprofit.about.com). A non-profit organization, however, is still a business and still must take expenses into account. However, the funding for non-profits stems partially from government and privately funded grants and contributions and partially from earned income by the organization (artsusa.org).
America is a big participant in the area of civic duty. America is notorious for being a supporter of community service. No other country supplies more community service projects than America does. However civic duty does not stop at community service alone. The idea of civic duty can also be applied to voter participation and participation in the government as a whole. Without American citizens participating in the government, the American system of democracy would fail because it relies solely on the support of its citizens.
Some forms of civic duty that most people may overlook are some of the most important examples of being a responsible citizen. One form of civic duty is abiding by the law. People overlook this simple concept because it is simply expected that people should respect the law or else they will likely be punished. Paying taxes to the government can also be considered civic duty. Although it is expected that every taxpayer should pay their taxes or else be punished for it, many forget that paying taxes is not just a way that the government is trying to punish its citizens. In reality, tax money is a necessity for the government to operate; as it is the main source of revenue for America, accounting for four in every five federal revenue dollars (taxpolicycenter.org). Another form of civic duty that citizens often don’t categorize as such is military service. In reality, military service is one of the most respectful and honorable ways that a person can serve his or her country. However people often do not categorize military service as a form of civic duty, simply because they see it as being a career choice. In the same way, becoming a police officer, doctor, or teacher can also be considered a civic duty.
Civic duty often has very loose interpretations. However, it is no dispute that America puts a great amount of emphasis on the importance of civic duty. Whether a person is participating in community service through a non-profit organization or getting involved in political structure, the civic services they provide to the country are vital for the country’s well-being.

Bibliography
(2010). Dictionary.reference.com. Retrieved December 2, 2010, from
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/civic+duty.
(2010). Nonprofit.about.com. Retrieved December 2, 2010, from
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitbasics/a/classifications.htm.
(2009). Taxpolicycenter.org. Retrieved December 2, 2010, from
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/background/numbers/revenue.cfm.
(2004). Artsusa.org. Retrieved December 2, 2010, from
http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2007/revsources.pdf.