What action should citizens take to ensure they are informed about their government?

Ensuring that citizens are informed about their government is fundamentally tied to understanding how government functions and the processes that govern it. Knowing how government works enables individuals to grasp the implications of policies, the importance of various governmental bodies, and their rights and responsibilities within the system. This understanding allows citizens to engage critically with governmental actions and decisions, foster informed discussions, and advocate for their interests effectively.

While paying taxes, voting, and participating in jury duty are essential civic responsibilities, they do not directly equip citizens with the knowledge necessary to comprehend government operations. For instance, voting is a key component of civic engagement, but it is predicated on being informed about candidates and issues, which stems from a deeper understanding of how government functions. Participation in jury duty is also an important civic duty but requires prior knowledge of legal processes and the justice system. Thus, having a foundational knowledge of how the government operates is the vital first step towards responsible and informed participation in all civic activities.