Complacent

=Is it a citizens right to decide not to be involved in the government or community?=

Well everyone knows that lack of involvement from citizens is bad. So how should complacency in United States Citizens be dealt with? Should we punish people who don't vote? Should people who avoid jury duty be subject to penalties? Should there be good citizen laws? These are questions that aren't easily answered, and have been explored throughout history.

First of all let's get the facts: 1)Less than 45% of registered voters exercise their right to vote. 2)Less than 35% of eligable voters exercise their right to vote. 3)Most citizens see the act of community service as a once or twice a year activty or less. 4)Only 12% of American citizens are willing to accept jury duty

In America, their seems to be a strong sense of complacency in the American public. Most experts feel that due to low voter turn out in elections and a general sense of apathy, that most Americans seem to be complacent and only concerned with their own self interests. Another point of veiw is that Americans feel alienated and can't really relate to the candidates. Putting his view in on the low voter turn out in America, political analyst Curtis Gans states, "the nation that prides itself on being the best example of government of, for and by the people is rapidly becoming a nation whose participation is limited to the interested or zealous few"(Samples). Gans basically believes that many Americans don't vote because they think that their vote doesn't matter and that interest groups and lobbyist hold all the power. Some people would argue that not voting is also a statement. This is true, but with that reasoning it's hard to argue the belief that in a democracy people get the leaders they deserve.(Ross)

To be a good citizen American's should vote, they should serve in jury duty, and they should actively help out in the community.