Almost every modern state,
especially a democracy, allows its citizens several rights; but in return, it
expects its citizens to perform certain duties.
Among the rights enjoyed by the
citizen in a democracy are the right to pursue his own affairs as he prefers;
the right to express his views, however silly they may appear to others, and
the right to move about as he pleases. The citizen is considered so important
that his rights are protected by the law of the state, and whenever they are
infringed, he can secure redress.
But in a totalitarian state, the
rights of the citizen are so restricted that he has practically no freedom. The
citizen is supposed to exist for the state. His interests are always
subordinated to those of the state. Thus, his duties exceed his rights.
Even in a democracy, however, the
citizen is expected to exercise his rights within the limits of the law. He
should not do or say anything that may affect the rights of others. In
exercising his right to act as he pleases, for example, his actions should not
cause injury or damage to any individual or his property. He cannot kill as he
pleases. If his conduct infringes the rights of others, then those who have
been affected by his misconduct could take legal action against him and he will
be punished according to the law of the state. In this way, the state protects
its citizens and their rights from the thoughtlessness of any individual in the
state. This means, of course, that every citizen in the state is expected to do
his duty to his fellow citizens.
The citizen is also expected to give
his services for the protection of the state in times of war, and to maintain
law and order in his state, at all times. Thus, every citizen who is conscious
of his rights should also be conscious of his duties to the state and his
fellow citizens.
COMPREHENSION
1. Which one would be the best title
for the text?
- The
duties of a citizen q
- The
rights and duties of a citizen q
- Citizenship
in the West q
- The
rights of a citizen q
2. Decide if these statements are
true or false. Then, justify your answer.
a. Every citizen has
only rights.
Truer Falser
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...................................
b. The citizen is not protected by the law.
Truer Falser
……………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………...................................
c. In a totalitarian
state, the citizen enjoys his full rights.
Truer Falser
………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………...................................
d. The citizen is
expected to exercise his rights without respecting the law.
Truer Falser
……………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………...................................
3. Answer the following questions
briefly, in your own words as far as possible.
a. What are some of the rights enjoyed by the citizen in a
democracy?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................................
b. What can a citizen do when his rights are
infringed?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................................
c. What should the citizen do for the protection
of the state in times of war?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................................
4. Circle a, b, or c, in each
question below. Only one choice is correct.
1.
a) When one country has a lot of power
or influence over others, especially in political and economic matters.
b) An economic, political and social
system based on private ownership of property, business and industry, and
directed towards making the greatest possible profits for successful
organizations and people.
c)
A state that has a political system in which those in power have
complete control and do not allow people freely to oppose them.
2.
4. A democracy means...
a) A
government by a single person or small group that has unlimited power or
authority, or the power or authority of such a person or group.
b) A
country in which power is held by elected representatives.
c) A political system in which a single ruler,
group or political party has complete power over a country.
5. Match the following words with
their definitions
Word |
|
Definition |
1)
Redress |
a)
Limited, especially by official rules, laws,
etc |
|
2)
Exceed |
b)
To break a rule, law, etc. |
|
3)
Infringe |
c)
An object or objects that belong to someone;
Thing owned. |
|
4) Misconduct |
d)
Behaviour. |
|
5) Conduct |
e)
To put right a wrong or give payment for a
wrong that has been done. |
|
6) Restricted |
f) To be greater than a number or amount,
or to go past an allowed limit. |
|
7) Property |
g)
Unacceptable or bad behaviour by someone in a
position of authority or responsibility. |
|
8) View |
h)
Opinions or beliefs or ideas, or a ways of
thinking about something. |