Personal morality and national citizenship usually go hand-in-hand in the United States. Doing what is right in your own life can lead to a more sustainable and strong government.
Any government operates under the assumption that people grant it legitimacy and agree to follow its law. This is more commonly known as the “social contract.”
The American social contract has been fairly well-followed. Even recent events, like liberal post-election protests or conservative demonstrations outside Planned Parenthood, have mostly operated inside the law or close to it. There are some examples to the contrary, but the main societal conversations are not calling for an outright abolition of the current government.
But what if your personal morals are in opposition to the government to the point where you feel radical action is needed?
This is a thought experiment both sides should consider. While we may disagree with the values you hold, if you feel like a government is incapable of acting in your best interest, should you actively defy it?
These questions were central to the theme of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson’s answer is clear: “whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.”
Jefferson ultimately decided on radical, violent change that led to the founding of our country.
Revolution is not simple, and violence should be discouraged as its repercussions cannot be controlled. Also, aspiring revolutionaries will probably have a hard time building coalitions in this fractured time. So, what is there to do on a personal level?
That is up to you. Maybe your sense of Americanism outweighs your individual morality, meaning you will tolerate the government no matter what its policy is. While that is certainly an option, challenge yourself to dig deeper.
