In 1776, our founding fathers embarked on a set goal to make their new country of America into a democracy. It was important to these intellects that our society be run strictly by the people, for the people, with the allowance of manipulation in the government if needed in order to be the most successful country. The founding fathers rebelled against the strict rules placed by the British government, and they knew they did not want the same in America. Based on this democratic society, it is the individual’s duty to elect only the brightest leaders into government in order to maintain and uphold the legacy that the United States has had over the centuries. In return, it is the government’s duty to establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty in order to form a more perfect union (United States Constitution). The lasting legacy’s of the individuals in history who took a stand on important issues to shape our society has greatly impacted our government’s structure today.
As history has taken its path, many individuals had to take a stand to the government and fight for the rights of its citizens in order to resolve the issues created along life’s course. Even before the American Revolution and the United States of America was independent, famous individuals took a stand for their beliefs in order to resolve certain issues. During his speech in the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry stood above the rest as he advocated for colonial rights in government. Before the United States Constitution was written and the Revolution was being fought, Henry had to stand up to the judge, who happened to be his father, in order to abolish the Parson’s Clause and increase colonial rights. This course of action set a precedent for other individuals to fight for the rights of citizens and go against the government in certain cases.
In addition to Patrick Henry’s influence on the Parson’s Clause, President Abraham Lincoln also had an obligation to make a very important speech to his people during the American Civil War. Through his brilliant speech of only lasting two minutes, Lincoln made an everlasting impact on America today and emphasized equality and unification of its people. It was the obligation of this individual to remind the American people that the "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Abraham Lincoln ensured America that a democracy will remain in place, and that states’ rights were not dominant. It is the duty of the government to the individual that the individual’s rights are secured, and everyone was equal.
Years after Lincoln’s address at Gettysburg, individuals continued to fight for their rights; an obligation made to society. One brave man, Martin Luther King, Jr., was determined to fight for the rights of the African American people through his wise words and perseverance. His most famous line, which referenced the work of the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, stated, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” Mr. King felt strongly that it was his duty to stand up to the government and fight for the rights of other individuals in an attempt to gain freedom and equality. It is with this passion that King was able to break the barrier between the white and black people and finally create a more united America.
After reading the famous speeches by these individuals, I have a better feel for my duty in my society. In one year, I will be granted the right to vote. It is imperative that when given this huge obligation, I make sure I am voting in the most suitable representative that I feel will best turn my country in the more positive direction. Within age comes more responsibilities, and being mature about situations is key to a successful society. The brave and determined individuals who fought for the rights of citizens did not decide one day they were going to do this; they witnessed the unequal and unfair actions that were forced upon innocent civilians, and with this information, they knew they must do something to stop this. Staying informed in society and taking an active role in governmental decisions is important for a united country.
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