Introduction Essay: Civics and You

Written by: Kirk Higgins, Bill of Rights Institute

Guiding Question 

What does it mean to be a citizen? How can one become a citizen? What responsibilities do American citizens have? Where do we see Civic Virtue in action? 

Civics and You

Communities, whether they be as large as the country or as small as our street, provide us with much and require much of us in return. While they can provide security, support, and stability, their success depends on our involvement and actions in support of our natural equality, liberty, and justice.  This foundation of civil society is what allows self-government to function in a just way. We hope this study guide has helped you gain a greater understanding of why this is significant and how the Constitution and the government it forms work to support this vision.  

Individual Americans have advanced this experiment in self-government. Through the practice of civic virtues like justice, courage, moderation, and others, they have built communities, friendships,, businesses, and social connections that have facilitated the creation of voluntary local association that contribute to human flourishing and bind us together in civil society. Thus, healthy communities allow us to govern ourselves locally through deliberation, cooperation, and common purpose. . Self-government empowers the people of the United States shape the course of its history. 

Studying the stories of these individuals reveals the power of good civic habits and the impact that individuals of all backgrounds have in shaping our lives and supporting the rights of all.  Listening to and reading people’s stories can give us examples to emulate by practicing the same civic virtues in large and small ways. Living and working together is difficult work. In the stories of these Americans, we find hope and encouragement to strive to do our best. When we try to practice civic virtues, we work for the common good of the community, which supports self-government and other people’s rights in a just society. In doing so, we do our part to support the equal right of all to self-govern and the value of everyone’s equal natural rights.