The Individual and Society

We are beholden to society and society is beholden to us in a relationship that only works because the responsibility is reciprocated. We elect to office those who would do what we believe in and share our ideals. We put our faith in the government and, in return, it takes care of us by delivering our mail, paving the roads, and sometimes pumping our sewage and bringing us water. For the most part, our leaders put us first and do whatever they can to help and protect us. If we choose people to govern our society and they do so much for us, why wouldn’t we follow the rules? Also, we know how chaotic it would be if we simply didn’t follow the rules for no reason. Overall, society has a responsibility to the individual because the individual has a responsibility to society, and vice versa.

We are always required by the society to follow the law; that’s why they are called “laws.” However, whether or not we realize it, we have the choice to follow all of these rules. If, for any reason, one disagrees with a rule, he or she may decide not to follow it. That’s not to say there aren’t consequences for disobeying. Furthermore, sometimes a mass of people disagree. When this happens, they typically join together to rebel. On a smaller scale, this could mean protesting a law until it is overturned. In severe circumstances, revolutions are started. Although the government has power, that power is gained by support of the people. If the people don’t support their society and all break the rules, there is a change in power and in the structure of society.