Governments were created to make the world a more unified place and to care for the good of the people. There are many different types of governments pertaining to various societies and individuals. For a government to run accordingly, people have obligations of their own to fulfill. Effort put forth by the people and their government will help satisfy the needs of many. People develop a sense of respect for their governors when their needs are met and therefore continue to perform duties of their own. These duties are expressed through the readings focused upon in the previous unit. The readings discuss the duties of the people towards their government and how it affects them individually.
Taken from The Iroquois Constitution, Dekanawidah focuses on the roles of each individual living within their society. In the Iroquois league, they have their own form of government known as the Five Nations. These nations consist of multiple classifications of people who must perform specific duties to hold their title. The Lords for example must “be mentors of the people for all time” (Iroquois). By having to be mentors at all times demonstrates the duties of a Lord towards his government. It is then the governments duty to make sure the non-council members know that their justice system is lead by qualified leaders who care for the safety of the people. Great leaders should always act what they teach even if they are facing death.
Brave leadership qualities are shown through Socrates as he willing condemns himself to death. In Crito by Plato, Socrate speaks his final words of wisdom as he explains to the weak Crito that he must die for respect of his people. By Socrates going forth with his death he demonstrates his duty to his people. Socrates states that “ I cannot repudiate my own words: the principles which I have hitherto honoured and revered I still honor, and unless we can at once find other and better principles, I am certain not to agree with you” (Plato). Socrates statement claims that he must live up to his word and not surrender to Crito as he desperately tries for him to escape his sentence. That reveals that Socrates is fulling his duties for his people and not practicing injustice.
Actions made by people reflect upon their view of whats right from wrong. In the Defense of Injustice by Cicero, he deciphers on the aspects that make decisions just. All governments should make just decisions to protect its people. Cicero explains that views on justice differ from all types of people. With that in mind, the government should make these distinctions as to what they classify as right from wrong, therefore they are able to perform their duties Cicero highlights the actions of both the people and government.
There are multiple duties as well as obligations people are expected to accomplish. These exceptions are imposed to help create a well run government. A government must also provide to its people by performing their own duties. These duties are explained and analyzed by the readings found in unit two. Reading Dekanawidah, Socrates, and Cicero demonstrate as to why these roles are needed and their overall purpose.