Final answer:
The statement pertains to the idea that a nation's strength comes from its citizens' willingness to act collectively for the common good, accepting shared responsibilities and upholding societal values, which is essential for a functioning democracy and social harmony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote "A nation is formed by the willingness of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good" suggests that for a nation or community to thrive, its members must actively participate in and take shared responsibility for its overall well-being and success. This implies that citizens not only have individual rights but also civic duties to contribute towards the society's benefits. Such contributions include accepting the nation's political principles, upholding moral responsibility, and even sacrificing personal interests for the sake of the community's values like justice, tranquility, and welfare as envisioned in the U.S. Constitution's preamble. This philosophy aligns with the concept of the social contract, where individuals agree to cooperate for social benefits, indicating a collective commitment to democracy and republicanism—direct rule by the people.