Civic Responsibilities and Participation

Since 1005, people from towns along the Rio Grande in both the United States and Mexico have gathered once a year to celebrate the importance of the river.  The annual event is called Dia del Rio – “Day of the River”.  Volunteers gather to clean up the often polluted river.  Among other activities, they plant trees, build trails, and clean up litter.

One of the most fundamental civic responsibilities in our society is obeying the law. Imagine what might happen if people did not obey the laws. Society would quickly fall apart. In order to obey the laws, people must know what the laws are.  It is the responsibility of individual citizens to educate themselves about federal, state, and local laws.

The government can punish a lawbreaker even if he or she is unaware of the law. 

If Texans disagree with a law, they can try to change it by speaking to their local representative or by challenging the law in court.  They can also petition the government to vote for officials who oppose the law.

Paying taxes is another important civic responsibility. The government needs tax money to pay for important public services. 

Without taxes, the government could not provide schools, roads, and police and fire protection.  

Citizens are also expected to serve on juries when called to do so. For the right to trial by jury in the Texas Bill of Rights to have any meaning citizens must serve when called Civic participation is vital for the running of any republic.  

Voting is the most basic way for Texans to participate in their government. Our government is based on the consent of the governed. Therefore, we must let our leaders know when we approve or disapprove of their actions. Texans do this by casting their votes for or against particular candidates and issues.