Does Citizenship Require Sacrifice?

The Maxwell School’s State of Democracy Lecture will feature a provocative conversation among four faculty members on the rights, responsibilities and obligations of citizens.

Grant Reeher

Is voting the primary responsibility of citizens in a democracy, or are citizens obligated to engage in other ways? Should we pay our taxes in the spirit of investing in a common purpose, or in the spirit of unwilling acceptance of government appropriation?  Is it our obligation as citizens simply to comply with the law? To what extent is each of us responsible for the good of others and for the public good?

These are the kinds of questions that will be debated during the next Maxwell School State of Democracy Lecture on Friday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m., in Maxwell Auditorium.  Participants will include:

• Kristi Andersen, Chapple Family Professor of Citizenship and Democracy and Professor of Political Science
• Walter Broadnax, Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs
• Tina Nabatchi, associate professor of public administration and international affairs
• Robert Rubinstein, professor of anthropology and international relations

The panel will be moderated by Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, which sponsors the series.

During the reception immediately following the event, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the school’s #ToMeCitizenship campaign by filling out a thought bubble and completing the sentence, “To me, citizenship ….”  A photographer will be on hand to capture a picture of you with your comment.  Go to https://www.rebelmouse.com/ToMeCitizenship/ to learn more.

Those unable to attend the event may view it live via UStream or at a later date on the Maxwell School’s YouTube channel.