What is one responsibility of every U.S. citizen?

One of the primary responsibilities of every U.S. citizen is paying taxes. This duty is essential for funding government operations and services that benefit society as a whole, including infrastructure, education, public safety, and social welfare programs. Taxes are collected at both the federal and state levels, and fulfilling this obligation ensures that citizens contribute to the maintenance and improvement of their communities and the country.

While other responsibilities, such as voting in local elections or joining the military, are important civic duties, they are often considered voluntary or associated with specific circumstances. For example, voting is a right and a civic duty, but not all citizens are required to participate in every election, and military service is usually only mandated during times of draft or national emergency. Teaching children, although valuable, is not an obligation for all citizens but rather an act that some choose to undertake. Thus, paying taxes stands out as a clear and universally applicable responsibility mandatory for all citizens.