EN3220

Unit 2: Declaration of Independence and Public Safety

There are many artifacts that are hidden within sight every day. One of the many artifacts that many Americans take for granted, and of forgotten about is the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence is an artifact because of what it resembles, and also what it allowed an entire group of people to do. This document helped solidify the future of many generations in and around the once newly formed United States of America. The Declaration of Independence called for separation from British rule, but that is not just the only reason why the Declaration of Independence is so important.

There are many challenges that law enforcement agencies or government faces when it comes to enforcing public safety at the same time protect the rights of individuals. The United States is a country that is a representative of democracy. In other words, the laws reflect the will of the people and the government officials reflect and enforce the laws and rules according to federal, state and local guidelines. This also means that we elect our officials and they are sworn to uphold the laws and duties of their respective offices. The citizens of this country pay taxes in order for the government to function and to provide services to help public safety and protecting life and property against those who wish to take them away.

The Declaration of Independence is a document of what the people of the thirteen colonies believed in, freedom. Freedom of what though? Not just speech, but also military and government rule that conflicts with the God given rights of a human being. There can be no real change in the Declaration of Independence, but rather what will time do to the document. Most people now take this important piece of history for granted because of how long ago it was put together. If people take the Declaration of Independence for granted, then the true aspect of freedom will be gone in the past.

There are many types of government officials, from local mayors to state governors and all the way to those who work for the federal government. Each type is given powers in which they perform their duties. Federal government officials are sworn to uphold the United States Constitution. According to the Constitution the federal government was intended to “form a more perfect union, establish Justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”

Most state governments are modeled after the three branch system of government like the federal government, although it is not required by law to follow suit. Each state has their Constitution as well as having powers not giving to the federal government. States have an executive branch led by a governor and his staff to uphold the laws of their respective state. They also have a legislative branch which includes elected representatives who votes on proposed laws. They are also responsible for the state tax as well as approving the budget for the state. States also have a judicial branch who is led by their supreme courts as well as appeals courts. Local governments are responsible for public services such as police and fire departments as well as local schools. All of the officials that work for the government play an important role in promoting and protecting the rights of their citizens.

The roles of security personnel play an important role in public safety. They have six main goals or functions in security. The first main role is to prevent crimes from occurring. They can do this by maintaining and observing their surroundings at all times. Just like police officers, security must be visible in order to deter criminals or to let them know what they can expect if they try to do something bad. The next responsibility is to remain vigilant in their duties as to observe any suspicious activities. They must also observe and report any incident they observe. It is important to list any description to a suspect and report their findings to their supervisor. If there is a situation that may become violent or a weapon present, security must contact local authorities and try not to apprehend the person by themselves. The last main role of security is to follow the rules and guidelines by their employer and make sure that the place or people that hired them are safe. But it is also important for those working security is that they are not the police and do not have the legal power to arrest a person.

Citizens play a key role in the safety of society. This nation is all about choices. We make choices every day in our life. We decide to get out of bed and go to work. We decide to vote on a particular issue or elect a president. We choose whether or not to conform to society’s rules and laws. Our Founding Fathers sought a nation in which favors those of high virtue. People have two main obligations. One is to their families and how they support themselves and the other is to society. The more reckless and irresponsible individuals are and are becoming the worse it is for society. Money is coming out of taxpayer’s wallets because we have too many who decide to break the law and are sent to prison. It seems like a distant memory in which John F. Kennedy made the famous quote” Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can for your country.” Citizens can make a big difference.