What is the difference between a good citizen and a bad citizen?
Answer (3)
A good citizen never breaks the law and is always kind and considerate to other citizens. A bad citizen does not abide by the law and can be nasty towards others.
The difference between a good citizen and a bad citizen can be explored through the lens of normative political science, which considers the consequences of behavior, moral rules, and virtue. A good citizen is seen as someone who contributes positively to society, engaged in civic responsibilities such as voting, obeying the law, and paying taxes. Their actions, such as participating in a democracy and following the Golden Rule , are aimed at the common advantage and the well-being of others. In contrast, a bad citizen is someone whose actions are harmful to society, like breaking the law in ways that harm others. This concept is articulated by Aristotle when he notes that good citizens are formed by good habits, which a proper constitution should encourage.
Aristotle's perspective is that constitutions which aim for the common advantage are just and help form good citizens. Kofi Annan's statement reinforces the idea that being a good citizen is an evolving process, not a static state. The quality of politics and governance is significantly influenced by the level of citizen engagement , highlighting the importance of informed citizens working together for the public interest.
A good citizen actively contributes to society and engages in civic duties, while a bad citizen often harms society through unethical actions and disregard for laws. Characteristics of good citizens include voting and community service, whereas bad citizens might vandalize or ignore civic responsibilities. The actions of citizens significantly impact the health of a community and the democracy as a whole.
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