The Bill of Rights is really a list of promises by the government to the people. There is no similar list of constitutional obligations of the people to the government. Nevertheless, for a democracy to work, citizens must be willing to participate in the political process. When Americans work for a better environment, support political candidates, or speak out or organize on public issues,

Question

whether they dissent from established policy or support it, they are participating in the democratic process. Their opinions and actions are inputs to the political system. Freedom to dissent is an important aspect of democracy. In fact, it may be argued that one of the most important responsibilities Americans have is to exercise the rights protected by the Constitution, including those of free speech and dissent. Voting in elections, participating in political party activity and community programs, forming and expressing political opinions, either singly or through groups—all are necessary to the workings of a healthy political system. Many Americans, however, lament that the system is not responsive enough to their interests. They complain that politicians are only interested in getting reelected and lining their own pockets. Often, they are right. But sometimes those who feel this way fail to take as simple a step as registering to vote. Frequently it does seem that the political system is slow to respond to pressures for change, and that ordinary citizens have no way to express themselves to influence political leaders. Yet, at times, individual citizens have shown that it is not only possible to "fight City Hall" but, occasionally, to win. The author's main purpose is to

a. argue that citizens should vigorously support the political process.
b. list important facts about the Bill of Rights.
c. convince Americans to work to improve the environment.
d. criticize the writers of the Constitution.

Answer 1

a