Lincoln Asked Whether A Nation Devoted To The Values Of Libe

Lincoln Asked Whether A Nation Devoted To The Values Of Liberty Equal

Lincoln asked whether a nation devoted to the values of liberty, equality, justice and opportunity "so conceived…can long endure." In these words, he told us a truth about our democracy - that its survival is never guaranteed, and that its success demands wisdom, action and even vigilance from American citizens. This begs the question: What does it mean to be an American citizen? Or posed in another fashion, what are the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy? Based on the discussions we’ve had in class, and based on your readings, your focus on those responsibilities – and attributes, should be evolving and becoming more focused. If this grand democratic experiment known as the United States is to succeed, what needs to happen, and what role are you playing, or will you play?

So with that as a prime r, this paper is meant as a vehicle for the student to express their own ideas on the role of citizens in a democracy. Papers should not be more than four pages in length – typed and double spaced, and should reflect an analysis and synthesis of the articles ( the articles and one example's papers, example to more understand the homework ; how this homework should be like - I will send it by email when we done shake hand)

Paper For Above instruction

The question of what it means to be an American citizen and the responsibilities that come with participation in a democracy is both profound and essential for the continuation of the American experiment. The words of Abraham Lincoln remind us that democracy, while foundational to American identity, is fragile and requires active engagement from its citizens to survive. To analyze this, it is crucial to explore the virtues, duties, and evolving attributes that define responsible citizenship in the context of contemporary challenges.

Lincoln’s reflection on the endurance of a nation rooted in liberty, equality, justice, and opportunity underscores the importance of vigilance. He implies that citizens are the custodians of these ideals, tasked not only with enjoying rights but also with actively maintaining the democratic fabric. In modern times, the responsibilities of citizenship extend beyond voting, encompassing civic participation, informed decision-making, standing against injustice, and fostering community engagement. These responsibilities are vital, especially as society faces complex issues such as political polarization, economic inequality, racial injustice, climate change, and threats to democratic institutions.

Class discussions and various readings on civic responsibility highlight that becoming an engaged citizen involves cultivating attributes such as awareness, commitment, empathy, and critical thinking. Analyzing texts like Robert Putnam’s “Bowling Alone” reveals that social capital and community involvement are essential for a resilient democracy. Furthermore, readings from scholars like Martha Nussbaum emphasize the importance of cultivating empathy and justice-minded virtues to foster a more inclusive political environment. These attributes are necessary for citizens to participate meaningfully and responsibly in democratic processes.

To fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship, individuals must be proactive in their communities and politically. This includes voting, of course, which is a fundamental act of participation. But beyond voting, it involves engaging with issues through attending town halls, volunteering for civic causes, advocating for policies that align with democratic principles, and holding leaders accountable. As demographic and social changes continue to shape American society, citizens must also educate themselves about diverse perspectives and challenge biases that threaten social cohesion and justice.

An example that illustrates the evolving role of a responsible citizen can be drawn from recent youth-led movements, such as the March for Our Lives or climate protests initiated by youth activists. These movements demonstrate that citizenship today involves activism and advocacy—building on traditional responsibilities with new avenues for influence. These young Americans exemplify how citizens can leverage moral and civic virtues to protect democratic ideals and push for necessary reforms.

Moreover, technology has transformed how citizens engage with democracy. Social media platforms offer both opportunities and pitfalls for civic responsibility. While they enable rapid dissemination of information and mobilization, they also risk spreading misinformation and increasing polarization. Responsible citizens must therefore develop digital literacy skills and critically evaluate information sources to uphold democratic integrity.

Reflecting on my role personally, I believe that my responsibilities as a citizen involve staying informed, participating actively in local and national issues, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. I recognize that democracy is not static but a continuous process requiring each person’s commitment. By engaging in community service, voting, and advocating for social justice, I can contribute to safeguarding the values Lincoln extolled. As society evolves, so must our understanding of responsible citizenship, emphasizing empathy, informed engagement, and resilience against threats to democratic values.

References

• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
• Nussbaum, M. (2010). Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Princeton University Press.
• Dahl, R. A. (2006). On Democracy. Yale University Press.
• Litt, J. S. (2012). The Activist Citizen: Essays on Politics and Education. Routledge.
• Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How Democracies Die. Broadway Books.
• Mounk, Y. (2018). The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press.
• Putnam, R. D. (2007). E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and Community in the Twenty-First Century. Scandinavian Political Studies.
• Hochschild, J. L. (2016). Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class, and the Soul of the Nation. Princeton University Press.
• Davis, A., & Morse, A. (2020). Civic Engagement and Democratic Resilience. Journal of Political Science.
• Sunstein, C. R. (2017). #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media. Princeton University Press.