Final answer:
The quotation by President John F. Kennedy implies that Americans have a civic responsibility to contribute to society and uphold civic values for the benefit of the nation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of the quotation is implying that Americans have a civic responsibility. When President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address stated 'ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,' he was calling every American to contribute to the society, embody civic virtue, and dedicate themselves to public service. The founding fathers and key historical figures like Abraham Lincoln regarded liberty as not only the enjoyment of personal freedoms but also the exercise of civic values and responsibilities that ensure the wellbeing of society as a whole.