Question

How do the three quotes reflect the role of citizens and the US government within the social contract? Support your answer with a piece of evidence for the role of citizens, and a piece of evidence for the role of the US government.

"One Enlightenment idea was the social contract: citizens give up some freedom they would have in a state of nature (like the freedom to rob and kill people), and in exchange the government protects citizens’ right to life, liberty, and property. To Enlightenment thinkers, the relationship between a government and its citizens was like an agreement. Citizens agree to obey a set of rules, and the government agrees to protect citizens’ rights."

"The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, ratified in 1791 and guaranteeing such rights as the freedoms of speech, assembly, and worship."
"
Responsibilities
Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in your local community.
Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
Serve on a jury when called upon.
Defend the country if the need should arise."
-US Citizenship & Immigration Services

Answer 1

The three quotes reflect the role of citizens and the US government within the social contract by highlighting the mutual obligations and responsibilities of both parties.

Quote 1 emphasizes the social contract as an agreement between citizens and the government. Citizens voluntarily surrender certain freedoms they would have in a state of nature, such as the freedom to commit crimes, in exchange for the government's protection of their fundamental rights. This highlights the role of citizens in giving up certain liberties and obeying the rules established by the government.

An evidence supporting the role of citizens in the social contract can be found in the "Responsibilities" listed by the US Citizenship & Immigration Services. The responsibilities include staying informed of the issues affecting the community, participating in the democratic process, respecting and obeying laws, and participating in the local community. These obligations demonstrate the active involvement citizens are expected to have in upholding their end of the social contract.

Quote 2 introduces the Bill of Rights, which guarantees certain fundamental rights to US citizens. These rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and worship, are protected by the government as part of the social contract. This quote emphasizes the role of the US government in safeguarding and upholding the rights of its citizens.

An evidence supporting the role of the US government in the social contract is the existence and ratification of the Bill of Rights itself. The inclusion of these rights in the US Constitution demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting the individual liberties of its citizens. By enshrining these rights in the Constitution, the government acknowledges its responsibility to ensure citizens' rights to life, liberty, and property.

In summary, the quotes illustrate the social contract as a mutual agreement between citizens and the government. Citizens have a responsibility to obey laws, participate in the democratic process, and contribute to their communities. The US government, in turn, is responsible for protecting citizens' fundamental rights and upholding the principles outlined in the Bill of Rights.

Step-by-step explanation: