The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens

by Richard N. Haass

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

A provocative guide to how we must reenvision citizenship if American democracy is to survive

The United States faces dangerous threats from Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, terrorists, climate change, and future pandemics. The greatest peril to the country, however, comes not from abroad but from within, from none other than ourselves. The question facing us is whether we are prepared to do what is necessary to save our democracy.

The Bill of Obligations is a bold call for change. In these pages, New York Times bestselling author Richard Haass argues that the very idea of citizenship must be revised and expanded. The Bill of Rights is at the center of our Constitution, yet our most intractable conflicts often emerge from contrasting views as to what our rights ought to be. As former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out, “Many of our cases, the most difficult ones, are not about right versus wrong. They are about right versus right.” The lesson is rights alone cannot provide the basis for a functioning, much less flourishing, democracy.

But there is a to place obligations on the same footing as rights. The ten obligations that Haass introduces here are essential for healing our divisions and safeguarding the country’s future. These obligations reenvision what it means to be an American citizen. They are not a burden but rather commitments that we make to fellow citizens and to the government to uphold democracy and counter the growing apathy, anger, selfishness, division, disinformation, and violence that threaten us all. Through an expert blend of civics, history, and political analysis, this book illuminates how Americans can rediscover and recover the attitudes and behaviors that have contributed so much to this country’s success over the centuries.

As Richard Haass argues, “We get the government and the country we deserve. Getting the one we need, however, is up to us.” The Bill of Obligations gives citizens across the political spectrum a plan of action to achieve it.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, American History, Audiobook, Government, Political Science

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2023

About the author

Dr. Richard Nathan Haass is in his fourteenth year as president of the Council on Foreign Relations, an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, publisher and educational institution dedicated to being a resource to help people better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries.

In 2013, he served as the chair of the multiparty negotiations in Northern Ireland that provided the foundation for the 2014 Stormont House Agreement. For his efforts to promote peace and conflict resolution, he received the 2013 Tipperary International Peace Award.

From January 2001 to June 2003, Dr. Haass was director of policy planning for the Department of State, where he was a principal advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate to hold the rank of ambassador, Dr. Haass also served as U.S. coordinator for policy toward the future of Afghanistan and U.S. envoy to the Northern Ireland peace process. In recognition of his service, he received the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award.

Dr. Haass has extensive additional government experience. From 1989 to 1993, he was special assistant to President George H.W. Bush and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs on the staff of the National Security Council. In 1991, Dr. Haass was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for his contributions to the development and articulation of U.S. policy during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Previously, he served in the Departments of State (1981–1985) and Defense (1979–1980), and was a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate.

Dr. Haass also was vice president and director of foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution, the Sol M. Linowitz visiting professor of international studies at Hamilton College, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a research associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. A Rhodes scholar, Dr. Haass holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and master’s and doctorate degrees from Oxford University. He has also received numerous honorary degrees.

Dr. Haass is the author or editor of thirteen books on American foreign policy and one book on management. His latest book is A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order, published in 2017 by Penguin Press.

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library]

The reason to read this book is not quite what one might think. The tone may be more important than the content, but the content is pretty darn good.

I read bunches of opinion books in which the author cites information uniformly from the political silo in which they live - and only that silo - then re-emphasize the confirmational bias of the content with self-affirming inflection. Though firmly ensconced on the left, this author's narrative is largely open-minded, which lends well to his coverage of our civil obligations.

Our leaders should consider Haas's priorities, but the voter is the author's target. We have the right to vote. But we also have the responsibility to understand how our nation and its constitution work. We have obligations to be civil, to get involved in our communities, and to reject violence, among many others.

This is a great read for both sides of the political fence and a great reminder that we have gotten away from the common sense and virtue of our founding principles.

-Tom L.

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

If democracy is such a good idea, why is authoritarianism on the rise globally? Meanwhile, it appears that some in the United States no longer value democratic ideals. Is American democracy anything that other countries would want to emulate?

Several years ago I would have found this book, The Bill of Obligations, to be NOT particularly prescient because in the past the concept of a practicing democracy in the USA seemed to be secure. But after January 6, 2021 things have changed. There are many Americans who no longer respect the peaceful transfer of political power. Thus this is a good time for us to remind ourselves of the common values and obligations that hold us together as a democratic nation.

In this book the author posits that certain good habits of citizenship are needed for democracy to be successful. He refers to these habits of citizenship as obligations that are not required, but nevertheless they are needed. Everyone values their rights, however this author says “beyond rights, obligations are the other cornerstone of a successful democracy …”

This book proposes the following ten obligations for good citizens to observe and support.

I. Be Informed
II. Get Involved
III. Stay Open to Compromise
IV. Remain Civil
V. Reject Violence
VI. Value Norms
VII. Promote the Common Good
VIII. Respect Government Service
IX. Support the Teaching of Civics
X. Put Country First

The book provides supporting commentary on the above proposed obligations with reasoning I found to be compelling and convincing.

In the current polarized political climate I approached this book with cautious skepticism. Thankfully the author addressed the subject early in the book by saying he had been a Republican most of his life, but in the past couple years had disassociated himself from that party and now considers himself unaffiliated. This information gave me enough assurance to conclude that he must be among the minority with an ounce of integrity and consequently is now a former Republican. This gave me the motivation to read the rest of the book, and after finishing the book I can't recall anything in the book which I would disagree.

I summarize this book's contents as the definition of good citizenship.

See Message 1 in the comments section below for a number of excerpts from the book.

[Colleen Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, when trying to change the edition to hardcover, Goodreads tells me there is no such edition. I guess I was imagining it then-not.
I awarded this book only three starts partly because there is little new in it. Also, Haas seems to hero worship Reagan and Thatcher and I vociferously disagree. He also defends Bush's decision to start the war in Iraq saying that it was an honest mistake; that the information held by the Bush Administration was that there were WMD in Iraq. Wrong!!! What's more they knew there weren't. The reason Bush took the country to war had nothing to do with WMD and it strikes me as disengenuous for Haas to make a claim like that while purporting to write a book lecturing people on good citizenry.

As mentioned above, there is not much that is new in this book but with a few edits, it would be very good for high school kids maybe even undergraduates.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s sad this obvious tutorial or prescription must be emphasized. It’s common sense and the way we did things for decades. Unfortunately the people who need to read this won’t read it. Nor will they act to do the right thing.

Obligation 1 be informed
Obligation 2 get involved - 30th in voting per capita
Obligation 3 stay open to compromise
Obligation 4 remain civil. Civility is not censorship
Obligation 5 reject violence
Obligation 6 value norms. Norms are the unwritten rules. Like accepting election results. A nation of laws but norms are the foundation and fill in the blanks.
Obligation 7 promote the common good
Obligation 8 respect government service. The deep state is us.
Obligation 9 support the teaching of civics
Obligation 10 put country first

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bill of Obligations by Richard Haass is sounding the alarm on how our democracy’s are failing and what we need to do as citizens to help fix the broken system we are in.

I can’t say much other than get out and read this book! It puts into perspective how far down we have fallen towards each other and to our government institutions. How education has failed to keep our young generations informed of how governments work and our duties to our fellow citizens. How our emotions are now taking negative effects into how our governments are being run.

It’s not often that I would say everyone should read this book but on this one it’s definitely important! Especially for young generations now that are being informed on social media outlets and getting negative and false information.

The Bill of obligations is the must read book of 2023! 🌿📖

[Ryan Boissonneault · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When union is stressed to the exclusion of freedom we fall into totalitarianism; but when freedom is stressed exclusively we fall into chaos.”

At the heart of our political discord lies an obsession with rights and freedom, and while these things are undoubtedly important, overemphasizing them tends to collectively make us more selfish, intolerant, and aggressive toward each other. By focusing only on rights—with no sense of duty or obligation to others or to the country—we become belligerent and self-centered when our rights inevitably conflict with the rights of others.

But we should remember that conflict is inevitable—and welcome—in a democracy. We sacrifice getting everything we want by force by sometimes not getting what we want through peaceful debate, voting, and institutional processes. And while we may take it for granted, as Richard Haass notes, democracy is not guaranteed nor is it inevitable—it must be sustained through the collective action of a country’s citizens.

This demands, however, that we replace our obsession with individual rights with a sense of obligation to our country, to others, and to the common good. Without devaluing or ignoring our rights, we need to supplement our idea of citizenship with a sense that we are part of a collective community with a common identity—and reject and penalize the politicians that simply want to sow discord among us for short-term political gain.

To that end, Haass has developed a list of 10 obligations that can supplement the Bill of Rights, and it’s worth taking a minute to review them. They are:

1. Be informed — An informed citizenry is crucial for any democracy. Being informed means taking it upon yourself to understand the distinctions between facts, opinions, assessments, and recommendations; to understand the difference between credible and non-credible sources of information; to not be fooled into believing outlandish conspiracy theories; to demand high standards of evidence for claims; to obtain information from a wide variety of sources and media, including opposing views; and to understand the basics of how the government operates, basic political philosophy, and the history of the country. Also keep in mind that traditional news outlets—while not perfect and subject to error and bias—do employ editors and fact checkers and follow journalistic procedures that lend infinitely more credibility to their content compared to, for example, individual pundits with obvious political motivations and no means or desire for editorial review.

2. Get involved — The next logical step after being informed is getting involved in the political process by, first and foremost, voting, or by directly or indirectly supporting a political cause. In a recent survey of thirty-five democracies with successful economies, “the United States ranked thirtieth when it came to the percentage of the voting-age population that actually voted.” If you benefit from the things the government does for you—from physical defense against violence and crime to the establishment of laws and currency to the construction of roads and bridges, among much else—you owe it to at least get out and vote, irrespective of whether or not you think it makes a difference. It’s your most fundamental obligation, and in some countries, like Australia, it’s mandatory.

3. Stay open to compromise — In any democracy, rights, policy preferences, and political philosophies will conflict. There’s not only no getting around this, it’s also preferable as legitimate opposition keeps the ruling party in check and presents viable alternative solutions to political problems. The unwillingness to compromise in a democracy is a recipe for not getting anything accomplished at all—which is an all-too-familiar scenario in this age of stubbornness and dogma.

4. Remain civil — Democracies function best when its citizens and politicians engage in dispassionate and substantive debates regarding key political issues. Sticking to the facts, arguing in good faith, and attacking ideas, not people, are the ideals to strive for. It is in this area, however, that we’ve perhaps drifted farthest from the ideal—and have done a rather poor job of penalizing politicians who refuse to promote civility.

5. Reject violence — This is another one that should be obvious to any thinking person. Achieving objectives through violence is not only an illegitimate path to power, it sets up a precedent whereby violence can be reciprocated by others, which can quickly spiral out of control. Again, dispassionate and issue-focused debate through peaceful means is the ideal, even if the results are often less than satisfactory in the short-term.

6. Value norms — Norms, as opposed to laws, are not legally binding; however, they ensure smooth political and social interactions. Remaining civil is a good example; this of course isn’t and cannot be legally mandated, but we all benefit when we can focus our debates on substantive issues and refrain from personal attacks and other red herrings that seek only to distract. Another good norm to consider is the election of politicians with strong character and some signs of intelligence. Something to think about.

7. Promote the common good — When we’re singularly focused on our own individual rights, we tend to lose sight of the rights of others. Relevant to this is the “harm principle,” originally devised by John Stuart Mill, that states that we are free to live our lives as we see fit granted our actions do not inflict harm on others, or, stated another way, “your right to swing your arm ends where the other man’s nose begins.” Since we are all economically, socially, culturally, and politically interdependent, the well-being of others indirectly impacts our own well-being. So in addition to the moral reasons to care about the welfare of others, there are practical reasons to care as well. To abide by this obligation, think about how your actions may negatively impact others, and also of the ultimate implications of your actions, should others follow suit.

8. Respect government service — A common trope is that the government is the problem, not the solution. But like many other cliches, this one certainly obscures and oversimplifies reality. As Haass wrote, “Given how important government is, the reaction to imperfect government should be better government. Think about it. Government provides for our physical security against criminals, terrorists, and foreign militaries; designs and carries out our foreign policy; builds the roads, airports, bridges, rails, and tunnels that make up the country’s infrastructure; makes sure that the water we drink, food we eat, and air we breathe is safe; sets aside resources for retirees, children, the disabled, and the unemployed; operates public schools and hospitals and sets standards for private institutions; licenses those with a large impact on their fellow citizens, including doctors, lawyers, teachers, and engineers; makes sure the currency is valued and accepted; protects individuals and groups against discrimination; sets a minimum wage; oversees an economy that is the world’s largest in a manner to limit inflation; creates jobs; encourages entrepreneurs; and provides a floor for the less fortunate.” I would add that the government also protects us from the tyranny of the free market and from exploitative employers and corporations that would otherwise have free reign over our lives. While fraud, waste, and abuse does obviously occur in government, we have democratic mechanisms for rooting this out (albeit imperfectly), which, historically, have been very successful. We therefore need to drop the idea that government service is second-rate, unimportant, unnecessary, or inherently corrupt, and thus encourage the best among us (intellectually and morally) to commit to government service.

9. Support the teaching of civics — One alarming statistic is that only eight states and the District of Columbia require a full year of high school civics, while ten states require little to no education in civics at all. Colleges and universities are not much better. We need to create a more robust and shared civic education if we are to produce an informed citizenry. Not that this is easy; the framing of historical events, including their ultimate interpretations and implications, can of course be controversial. However, I like Haass’s approach in the book; he writes: “My instinct here is to suggest that the major debates, events, and developments be studied, that any single framing be avoided, and where there is disagreement, that the various perspectives be presented. One possibility is for students to be assigned a range of readings and then asked to debate competing interpretations of the past.” One thing I would add that Haass missed is that the “various perspectives” that are presented need to be respectable, credible, and recognized by professional historians. Just as we don’t teach creationism in biology class, we shouldn’t be teaching outlandish and unlikely conspiracies in history class under the guise of “competing perspectives.” In the current environment of rampant misinformation, this caveat is a critical oversight by Haass.

10. Put country first — This obligation simply states that you should value the continued functioning of American democracy over short-term political gains, your political party, or your personal interests. While it’s always nice to have your preferred candidate win elections, doing so at the risk of weakening long-established democratic norms, traditions, and trust is, frankly, acting in an un-American way.

Perhaps, at this point, you’re thinking that these obligations are naive, or that they don’t account for bad-faith actors that take advantage of the good behavior of others. You might wonder what good these obligations will be for the rest of us if a substantial subset of the country refuses to abide by them. This is a fair point, and perhaps the US is in fact beyond the point of attaining civility in the political arena.

But if we are to preserve our democracy, cultivating a sense of obligation in ourselves and others is a good place to start. It may also be the only place to start—and the only way out of the polarization that plagues us, and the obsession with rights that exacerbates it.

We should also remember that, in the end, we get the politicians we vote for—and therefore deserve. So if democracy gets destroyed in the process by politicians with poor character and little competence, then we really have no one to blame but ourselves. We need to start demanding better.

[Joseph Sciuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Haass' "The Bill Of Obligations: The Ten Habits Of Good Citizens," is a book which should be mandatory reading in grammar schools, high schools, Colleges, Graduate schools, trade schools, etc. One should not confuse OBLIGATIONS with Rights. Rights are conferred upon all citizens and non-citizens and one could go to jail for disobeying one's rights. Obligations are habits and behaviors, that one would wish all politicians and citizens lived by.

The Obligations Mr. Haass' lists are: 1) Be Informed. 2) Get Involved. 3)Stay Open to Compromise. 4) Remain Civil. 5) Reject Violence. 6) Value Norms. 7)Promote The Common Good. 8)Respect Government Service. 9) SUPPORT THE TEACHING OF CIVICS. 10)Put Country First.

If all Americans lived by these obligations we wouldn't have to worry so much about our democracy failing...but this is all a fantasy.

I highlighted, Support the teaching Of Civics," because if you ever wonder how a two time impeached President, found guilty of sexual assault, called the service men and women who died for this country suckers, took money out of a charity for children with cancer to have a portrait painted of himself, was found guilty of tax fraud, is currently under indictment...37 times...for stealing classified information, indicted in New York for using hush money to shut up a porn star before he was elected President, will soon be indicted in Georgia for attempting to defraud the voters of that state, and will soon be indicted for trying to overthrow the legally elected President of the U.S. Joe Biden and planning a coup, etc...

If you wonder how a person like this, who is proud of never reading books and thinks President Andrew Jackson was president during the Civil War, can still excite and have the support of about 25 percent of the population it might all come down to never learning civics in school or for that matter the actual history of our country. Civics is a dying "subject" in schools across our country.

Civics teaches us about the three branches of government, The Declaration Of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, The Constitution , The Bill of Rights, and all the additional amendments which have been added. It is a study guide to how our country functions as a democracy, and when individuals have never taken a civics course is it any wonder that they would cheer on an illiterate, egoistical, person who puts himself above his country? A criminal in every way.

I highly recommend this book.

[Jenn Palomino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most important books I have ever read, not just as a government teacher but as an American citizen. I have told my classes multiple times this year, that now more than ever I feel the immense responsibility to teach civics because our democracy is hanging on a thread. And I for one cannot rest if I don’t do as much as I possibly can in my little sphere of influence to protect and honor the democratic principles that have shaped our country. But man am I overwhelmed. So if you’re feeling that way too, start here. Trust me, it was reinvigorating.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. If I could afford it, I'd pass copies out on the street. Even though the author is somewhat left-leaning, his 10 "obligations" are ones that we all need to think about. I think our country would be much better off if we did.

[Alex Gruenenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a prominent diplomat, highly respected on both sides of the aisle, this book comes from that same bipartisan perspective on the importance of preserving and expanding American democracy. The author highlights the fact that both sides of the aisle focus their rhetoric on absolute rights in the present day, rather than on civic responsibilities considered in the quote, "Rights alone do not a successful democracy make." While many of the social and governmental obligations described are pretty simple, like agreeing on a basic set of facts and treating opponents with respect, the book is a very short reminder for the casual politico of everything that our republic is and can be.

[Kathleen Nalley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author proposes emphasis on principles of citizenship that might counter the explosion of destructive partisanship which plagues America. Good luck, Dr. Haas.

[Drtaxsacto · Rating 1 out of 5]

I came to this book with high expectations. But it was a significant disappointment. The author has been the CEO of the Council on Foreign Relations - so I guess I should not have been surprised. If you want to understand an establishment view of what is wrong with the US then this book should fit the bill.

The book is divided into a discussion of what’s wrong in the country now and then it offers 10 notions of how to reinvigorate civic life. The first half is not surprising. Haas is concerned about January 6 - he’s almost apoplectic. He does not mention the BLM inspired riots which caused huge amounts of damages in many cities in the country. He is also unwilling to admit that anyone who had concerns about our response to the pandemic had anything useful to contribute. I agree with him that January 6 was a serious breach of the Constitutional order and that people who committed crimes should be held responsible. But in the end the system ultimately did what was needed to be done.

The fatal flaw I find in his arguments is an almost blind willingness to accept the advice of experts. He fails to see that we could have had alternative approaches which would have protected people’s safety more than the ones adopted by the CDC and other officials. He seems to blithely ignore that our political system has been tortured from both the left and right by executive orders serving as policy making. He seems to think that the members of Congress who voted against Obamacare should have simply accepted the force feed that the President and the Speaker forced upon them. Would it have been better for the President and the Speaker to have worked hard to get some movement to consensus on healthcare or to have as the Speaker said you can find out what is in the bill when it is passed? Haas seems to think that alternative (although in his solutions he argues for compromise) is irrelevant.

A couple of the ideas that I found most annoying were his 1) Characterization of attempts in several states to shore up our electoral integrity (does he believe that the 2020 election was completely without flaws); 2) His unwillingness to admit any reason for overturning Roe and to grapple with the idea that a decision which remained highly controversial after a couple of decades could be improved by getting the states to think about alternatives (I think he does not realize that the vast majority of Americans support a woman’s right to “choose” but not in absolute terms; 3) His blithe acceptance about the level of consensus about climate issues - where again the American people recognize that the climate is changing but may not be in agreement on how to appropriately respond. How many projections of climate apocalypse have we seen actually be correct?; 4) While he condemns cable channels for their biased coverage he seems comfortable with MSM sources in spiking stories because they don’t want the issue to surface. His answer for all of these things is to trust the experts.

His list of obligations are ok as far as they go. He could have benefited from reading Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions which suggests that many good ideas come from the periphery. Our political system has evolved not to recognize that outliers are often some of the most significant new ideas percolating in the system. So what he does not do, even with the list - which calls for among other things - civility - is offer a coherent idea of how to get us off the edge.

Our republic does indeed need to address mechanisms which will improve civic involvement - but this book is not a serious attempt to deal with those major issues.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outgoing Council on Foreign Relations president Richard Haass puts an exclamation mark on his stellar career with this newly published book. Provocatively, Haass argues that citizens enjoying the US Constitution and Bill of Rights’ freedoms should also live up to a Bill of Obligations. In a non partisan history and civics lesson kind of way, he describes these 10 obligations for how we can get the country and government we need, and not just accepting the one we deserve and possess.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book the day I got it. What it means to be a citizen, at any time but especially these days, is the central theme. Rights (which have become the byword in our culture) must be balanced by the obligations of citizenship and concern for our democracy and for others.

The section on what to read next is really good. Civics.

Should be great for teachers, CEO's, politicians and those with an interest in politics (which should mean all of us).

[George Huss · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an era of deepening political divisions, Richard Haass’ The Bill of Obligations offers a timely and compelling reminder of why we should take pride in being citizens of the United States. Haass doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges our nation faces but instead provides a thoughtful framework of ten obligations that can help us reclaim a sense of unity and purpose as Americans.

I found ‘Obligation VIII: Respect Government Service’ and ‘Obligation X: Put Country First’ especially resonant. Coming from a family with a tradition of service dating back to the Revolutionary War, I continue that legacy through my military service in the United States Coast Guard Reserves and as an archaeologist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Serving my fellow citizens has always been a source of immense pride for me, and Haass’ call to honor service and prioritize the collective good deeply aligns with my own values.

The Bill of Obligations is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for how we can strengthen the bonds of citizenship and rise above our divisions to build a better future together.

[Meepspeeps · Rating 1 out of 5]

This writer seems completely out of touch with most USA citizens. Many, many people are apolitical because they are just trying to get by daily and/or as a result of the extremism that dominates the public square. He suggests citizens read newspapers daily and read abstruse documents such as the Federalist Papers. He suggests preachers preach in support of good citizenship because “nearly half of adult Americans regularly attend a religious service” for which he has no source; Pew Research Center quotes 28%. The habits and how to achieve them are based on lofty but unrealistic goals that one could summarize as “let’s get along, love your neighbor, choose the morally right thing, or take action based on what’s best for the USA: not your own self-interest.”

[Abra Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lays out 10 behaviors that would positively impact the U.S.'s ability to maintain its Democracy. I found the tone to be level-headed and sound. Haass has served under both Democratic and Republican Presidents and he remains neutral in this book advocating for all citizens to put forth effort to become informed, stay civil, teach civics in school, etc. In this day of extreme partisan politics that sometimes depress me, this book was optimistic. It's short and to the point. Good book!

[Rachel Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The traits of good citizenship that were once considered common sense are now perhaps a dreamer’s wishlist in the post-1/6/2021 landscape. An informed, engaged, citizenry, willing to amicably and respectfully debate those who disagree, well-educated in civics, serving their country in any way possible, upholding the norms and values of representative democracy engrained in our culture since and before 1776, sadly feels like a pipe dream; but I want to believe we have the opportunity to change our culture, that it is not too late.

Those who downplay the real threat to democracy that occurred on and continue after that day are either brainwashed or truly ill-intentioned. This should be required reading for all Americans before Election Day so that we realize what is at stake.

[Brett Van Gaasbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be the subject of reading circles throughout the U.S. as we embark through yet another Presidential election cycle. Haass puts into words what most social studies teachers wish students would walk away from civics classes with a basic understanding of in American government. His succinct argument is poignant and necessary for our modern era and he speaks to the choir of educators that wish Americans would realize that with great power comes great responsibility as a citizen. Easy read, but hard to implement.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common sense approach to how we conduct ourselves in our country, and how to put democracy as a (fragile) entity first. The author himself sums it up: "The central argument of this book is that American democracy will endure only if obligations join rights at the core of a widely shared understanding of citizenship. By definition, obligations are behaviors that should happen but are not required as a matter of law." (156) Obligation is the respect we owe one another, and it is sorely lacking, overshadowed by the clamor about 'rights.' He has 10 obligations like the Bill of Rights: Be Informed, Get Involved, Stay Open to Compromise, Remain Civil, Reject Violence, Value Norms, Promote the Common Good, Respect Government Service, Support the Teaching of Civics, Put Country First. Nothing that difficult or profound. The challenge I found was thinking about 'who should read this book?' And sadly, those who should would object to some of its very basic premises: that 2020 was a fair election and the results were legit, that Jan 6, 2021 was an insurrection, that news has to come from reliable sources. So much builds from there. Interesting to me, was Haass' promotion of Civics in high school and college as required courses. Agreed. My 8th grade Constitution 'test' was a simple regurgitation of memorized data. Junior year in high school went a little deeper, but I was not yet an adult who really had any direct impact from the Constitution. College would be an ideal place for a truly meaningful course, but I definitely would not have had room in my schedule. That speaks to a need for fundamental shift in what education should accomplish. Another idea he spitballs is compulsory civil service for all young adults, be it military or Americorps or something of that nature. Another good idea with an excellent rationale - coming together with young people from all over the country to serve and achieve a common goal. But I can't see it being embraced - simply because of the word 'compulsory.' Lots of great inspiring quotes from former leaders (mostly men) and a chapter devoted to further 'study' with lots of resources: books, podcasts, new sources. As much as I'd like to see the ideas and attitudes in this book put into practice, I have trouble seeing that happen. The question then becomes exactly what will it take for us to band together again as a united nation dedicated to democracy?

[Tom Lewellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason to read this book is not quite what one might think. The tone may be more important than the content, but the content is pretty darn good.

I read bunches of opinion books in which the author cites information uniformly from the political silo in which they live - and only that silo then re-emphasize the content with self-affirming inflection. Though firmly ensconced on the left, his narrative is largely open-minded which lends well to his coverage of our civil obligations.

Our leaders should consider Haass priorities, but the voter is the target. We have the right to vote. But we also have the responsibility to understand how our nation and its constitution work. We have obligations to be civil, to get involved in our communities, and to reject violence, among many others.

This is a great read to both sides of the political fence and a great reminder we have gotten away from the common sense and virtue of our founding principles.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haass gives a well-thought-out explanation of what a lot of Americans used to take for granted: that although we all have rights guaranteed by the Constitution, without meeting our obligations to each other and our institutions, democracy cannot thrive, or could even die out entirely. Also noted by Haass is the sad state of civics education in the US. He is mostly optimistic, but raises well-founded concerns about the direction the country is currently headed. In addition, I enjoyed the "for further reading" section at the end.

[Ann-Marie Reiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, Well Written & Read

I bought both digital and audio which helped me fly through this well written and highly inspirational book. My hope is that a flock of like-minded people would read this book and take action from these 10 Obligations researched and laid out for us by someone with as much experience as Dr. Haass. I know I am on board for my country and this book will help be my guide. A sincere thank you. 🙏

[Tommie Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book. Should be required reading for every American citizen, especially those who are concerned about the state of our public discourse and dismayed by the actions of those of our leaders who put their personal advancement and enrichment before the interests of our wonderful country.

[Kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read that makes its point clearly. Would be a helpful course reading for the very kind of national civics education it proposes.

The nonpartisan effort is important and necessary, but it's still difficult to read a book about democratic principles that quotes Ronald Reagan quite so much.

Overall though, a good introduction to why and how democracy must never be considered a fait accompli, but must be accomplished through shared commitment to the common good, not solely one's own rights.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Basically a guide for being a good citizen. Among many other suggestions he includes serving on a jury. The book ends with an extensive list of other reading material to continue a citizen's education.

[⋆.˚ livia .☘︎ ݁˖]

thank god it’s over 😭 now i just have to write a massive essay & pretend i didn’t hate every second

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, if perhaps platitudinous book on the importance of renewed civic engagement. I’d recommend this book to some politically disengaged friends and family members. The tone is quite admirable, rising above the fray in an intellectual manner.

[Courtney Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haass works to redirect our attention from what our rights as US citizens are to what our obligations as US citizens should be, especially if we are determined to sustain something as fragile as democracy. Much was written in response to Jan 6, and during a disheartening presidential election year, this book gave me greater hope, determination, and a clearer understanding of what I can do in my own small sphere.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It may just be a case of "preaching to the choir" but I didn't come away with much new information. Still must admit that it's well written and the author makes a good argument throughout.