Final answer:
Roosevelt's concept of 'individual citizenship' includes rights and the importance of active participation in society. An individualist government emphasizes personal freedom over communal values. The Reconstruction era showcased debates about citizenship and equality, underscoring the importance of civil liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
When President Roosevelt referred to 'individual citizenship,' he was emphasizing the notion that citizenship entails both rights and responsibilities. Citizenship in this sense involves not just the recognition of individual rights but more importantly, active participation in society to ensure the healthy functioning of a republic. It is about exercising civic virtues such as justice and moderation, which, according to George Mason's quote in the Virginia Declaration of Rights, are essential for preserving free government and the blessings of liberty.
The major characteristic of an individualist system of government concerning civil liberties is the emphasis on the importance of individuals over the importance of the community, including the government. This is seen in the United States, where a high value is placed on personal freedom and individual responsibility, sometimes even appearing odd to citizens of more communal societies.
The turbulent times of Reconstruction emphasized the importance of citizenship and equality, with debates on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, had certain unalienable rights. However, despite legal freedoms being granted, the struggle for real and substantive citizenship rights continued, highlighting the critical role of civil liberties and the need for citizens to actively participate in the civic life of their communities.