may be ever so oppressive, it is better to suffer them for a time, than to start a rebellion which cannot succeed. The evils resulting to the state from a civil war are so enormous, that to begin such a contest for trivial reasons, or against overwhelming odds, is the highest crime that can be committed against the welfare of society. Government bound to Punish Rebellion. The duty of the government here is as plain as that of the individual. While one may be bound to rebel, the other is as much bound to resist. The man who undertakes to overthrow the established government takes his life in his hands. The government must regard rebels as traitors, and if they are unsuccessful must punish them as such. If the cause is a worthy one, rebels may be patriots; and, if successful, their names may go down to posterity with honor. The British government looked upon Washington as a rebel and a criminal: America considers him a model of political virtue. Nature of Political Duties. The various duties of the citizen, that have been enumerated, are moral obligations with all the weight of such. They are things to do or not to do, to do well or ill, demanding choice, and involving responsibility. They go along with such obligations as honesty, chastity, and temperance, and come under the great law of human relation which requires every man to love his neighbor as himself. SUMMARY. 1. A citizen is a member of the state. 2. A citizen may be native or naturalized. 3. Persons on being naturalized usually have all the civil rights and duties of native-born citizens. 4. Every citizen is bound to support the government by obeying its laws. 5. He is bound to disobey a law which violates his conscience; but he must suffer the penalties of disobedience. 6. Every citizen is bound to support the government with his money, and by his service if necessary to its defence. 7. Voting is a duty. 8. Suffrage is called a right because it has been conferred as such gradually by absolute governments. 9. Revolution may be a duty. Armed revolution is justifiable only as a last resort, and when success is probable. 11. The government should punish rebels. 12. Political duties are moral obligations. |