Citizenship in America Essay

U.S. citizens ar lucky. We have freedom of speech, freedom of religion and some more(prenominal) rights. Citizenship can mean different things to different large number. Who a field defines as its citizens may differ in different times and different places. In general, we know that citizenship belongs to a person who lives in a certain coun sample and has certain rights. Yet, I believe that the true essence of citizenship lies in the certificate of indebtedness to help solve problems.In the joined States, the idea of citizenship has evolved over time. For instance, in 1776, most blacks, Indians and white women had no right to vote. They had to struggle to become full phase of the moon citizens. The right and responsibility to vote came after a long and unverbalized fight.Studying history is a key part of effective citizenship because from mint in the past, we shape physical exercises of peachy citizenship.One very good example of good citizenship was that sh proclaim by J ane Addams. Even at age six in 1866, she was an initiator and she valued to change her world. During that time, she got this remark from Theodore Roosevelt, president from 1901 to 1909, that Addams became the most expedient citizen. When she was 29 years old, Addams bought a large, old house called the Hull place in a poor immigrant area of Chicago.They soon learned that Addams wanted to help poor people solve the problems they faced. At Hull House, immigrants could learn English. Working parents could even leave their babies there during the day and the children were encouraged to scratch art classes. She also made the house available for family gatherings, weddings and other events.Addams raised money herself to pay for these programs. She also tried to change the government and lots she worked in campaigns for people running for office whom she believed had honest intentions. She also wrote letter to members of Congress. She went to meetings to support giving women the righ t to vote. She lead marches to support laws determination the use of child labor in factories. She also tried to make for the government. In fact, people today can still petition, or try to influence the policies of government. Petitioning is one of the basic rights of all citizens protected by the United States Constitution.When garbage filled up the alleys near Hull House, she was worried that the scores of trash may cause disease and death among the children in the neighborhood. So, she did something none of us would ever think ofshe applied a job as a garbage inspector. Thus, she was able to follow those garbage wagons all the panache to the dumping site just to be sure that garbage is by rights disposed.Addams was good citizenship personified. In my own way, I want to do the same thing as Addams did. Starting from my own home, I can get under ones skin helping my parents in cleaning our surroundings. I can also do some volunteer work in our community during weekends when there are no exams in school.Volunteer work can be dramatic play especially when I mobilize my other friends to join in. I am sure they will be open to make themselves useful, in our own small way, in making a difference to the world step forward there. In my own small way, I can learn from people of the past how it is to exercise good citizenship. Making the community look good is a part of good citizenship. In fact, the community is a position that provides much potential for helping and learning at the same time. Libraries, museums, and many places are rich sources of exercising good citizenship.For afterall, citizenship requires initiative, courage and sacrifice. As Jane Addams said, mature is not automatic the world grows better because people wish that it should and germinate the right steps to make it better.REFERENCESJane Addams 1860-1935. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2006 athttp//www.webster.edu/woolflm/janeadams.htmlchildhoodWikipedia. Jane Addams. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2006 atht tp//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_AddamsWomen Working. Jane Addams. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2006 athttp//ocp.hul.harvard.edu/ww/people_addams.html