The author has indicated that the changing social conditions reshape the norms of what it means to be a good citizen, and this affects how citizens act and think about politics. The author asserts that the characteristics of an engaged citizen are the citizens who act independently, are assertive, and are concerned with others. Furthermore, engaged citizens are enthusiastic on other people. on social concerns and the welfare of others. For instance, the volunteers of the devastating Hurricane Katrina proved that many Americans feel that they are engaged in society even if they do not vote. Engaged citizenship may promote other forms of political action, ranging from volunteerism to public protest. On the contrast, the duty-based citizen characteristics are the citizens who vote, pay taxes, and obey the law. Dalton refers the act of citizens typically focused on the traditional norms as duty-based citizens because these norms reflect the formal obligations, responsibilities, and rights of citizenship as they have been defined in the past (Dalton, pg. 5). However, the distinction between the engaged citizen and the duty-based citizen is that the engaged citizens have norms emerging among the American public with increasing prominence.
Furthermore, Dalton discusses the various forms of participation by good citizens. Participation is a prime criterion for defining the democratic citizen and his or her role within the political process, and it is central to the philosophical literature on democracy (Dalton, pg. 26). Participation is much more than voting because it includes being involved in social or political organizations. In addition, participation include choosing products for political, ethical, or environmental reasons even if they cost more (Dalton, pg. 26). Another category within participation is autonomy.
The various forms of norms suggest that some forms of participation such as voting are influenced by individuals that are law-abiding citizens. However, participation differs between the duty-based citizen and the engaged citizens. Duty-based citizenship reflects traditional notions of republican citizenship. In fact, previous studies of voting turnout indicate that feelings of citizen duty are a strong stimulus of voting (Dalton, pg. 26). In addition, the participation of the duty-based citizen reflects obeying the law, never evading taxes, voting in elections, and serving in the military. On the contrast, engaged citizenship includes many forms of citizenships. Thus, engaged citizen’s participation is centered in non-electoral activities such as being active in civil society groups and buying products for political or ethical reasons (Dalton, pg. 29). The engaged citizens participate in watching the government, understand others, and being actively involved in associations.
Citizen duty decreases among younger generations, and engaged citizenship increases among the young. The younger generation are highly involved in participatory values and are reshaping politics in the United States. Previous research suggests that respect for authority and the rule of law is stronger among older Americans and weaker among the young and the emphasis on voting may be strongest among older generations socialized during a period when this was considered a primary duty of citizenship (Dalton, pg. 30). Moreover, another predictor for tolerance is age, or generation. The younger generations are more tolerant than older generations who are less tolerant.
The millennials are highly engaged in citizenship and appear to the most highly educated generation in American history. In addition, the millennials have benefited from their elders. Millennials are more supportive of the protection of civil liberties, autonomy, and social solidarity as norms of citizenship and more supportive of participation beyond elections by being politically tolerant (Dalton, pg. 185). The millennials are more supportive of democracy.
In addition, Dalton has discussed the difference between being a citizen and being a good citizen. A citizen can be anyone who is an American. However, an engaged citizen is a good citizen because they have a more assertive role for the citizen. A good citizen is someone who respect the laws, votes, pay taxes, and is committed to contributing to their country. The author has stated that, “a “good citizen” felt a duty to vote and support the government (Dalton, pg. 178) Therefore, a good citizen is highly productive and this is the difference between simply being a citizen. The author has also emphasized that someone who serves in the military is also a good citizen.
Part II
Using Dalton’s two definitions of a good citizen, I would define a “good citizen” as someone who is productive and actively involved towards helping their country succeed. Therefore, it is to my perception that the characteristics of a good citizen includes voting, serving in the military, being highly educated, and positively working in society. In addition, the good citizen does not harm others or violates the law. It is to my assertion that I strongly consider myself to be a good Saudi citizen because I have served in the military and I am dedicated to helping improve my country. In addition, I abide by the laws and have a plan to work with the federal government as a successful employee. I can improve myself as a citizen by writing about my country and informing people in the U.S about the rule of law governing my home country.
Works Cited
Dalton, Russell J and Christopher Anderson. Citizens, Context, And Choice. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.
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