Being A Citizen In A Political Community

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What does it mean to be a citizen in a political community; it could be argued that, what political community you are in will define what it means to be a citizen. The citizens’ rights responsibilities, liberties and freedoms will depend on the politics of the country; and the laws, values and expectations that the government, police and military enforce. Life for citizens in the political community of Australia is very different from life for citizens in the political community of North Korea or Vietnam

A citizen is a native or naturalised person of a country or nation who owes their loyalty and commitment to its government and is entitled to that countries protection. As opposed to an alien or foreigner who owes their allegiance to a country other than that in which they reside. (Hanks, Wilkes, Urdang, & McLeod, 1986, p. 37, 290) Citizenship could also be defined as cultural standards, principles, values and expectations that are formed through the nations' social, historical and cultural context.

In Australia citizens have democratic beliefs, rights and privileges. Citizens believe in democracy, obeying the law, and living peacefully. They also believe in freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom of movement and freedom to protest. In addition in Australians believe in equality; equality of men and women, equality before the law and equal opportunity for all (Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection, 2014). Citizens have all these freedoms and rights however they also have responsibilities, responsibilities to obey the laws of the land, pay taxes, vote, serve on a jury, respect the rights of others and improve the quality of politica...

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As a citizen your political community will define what it means to be a citizen. A citizen of Australia has expectations that the government will listen to the citizens. Society influences the government to make decisions and implement laws that reflect the citizens wishes. What it means to be a citizen of Australian would encompass freedom, rights and responsibilities. What it means to be a citizen of North Korea is very much influenced by the dictatorship of Kim Jong-Un, the citizens of the political community expect no freedoms no rights and no liberties. As a Citizen of Vietnam the government as well as the values and expectations of the society influence what it means to be a citizen of the socialist republic. In Vietnam it means the ability to make money which is a high priority for its citizens. However it also means limited rights and freedoms.

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