The balance between individual rights and community responsibilities is a topic that has been debated for centuries. While individual rights are essential, it is equally important to acknowledge the responsibilities of being a community member. Modern society tries to balance these diametrically opposing values with laws, but ultimately, it is up to the individual citizens to make this work. A perfect democratic government would strive to adjudicate directly in the middle between individual rights and the social contract of the community.

 Individual rights are a cornerstone of democracy and freedom. Every person has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and these rights should be protected at all costs. Individuals should be free to live as they see fit, without interference from others or the government. They should be free to express their opinions, worship as they choose, and pursue their goals and ambitions. If the government can give unchecked mandates to their citizens, you no longer have the freedom of a democracy but tyranny.

 On the other hand, community responsibilities, which some people call the social contract, are also essential for a healthy society. We all must contribute to our communities and work towards the greater good. We should be willing to make sacrifices for the common good and put the needs of others before our own. We should be willing to pay taxes to support public services, obey the law, and help the less fortunate. People will always argue that taxes are government theft and that people should be free to give their money to charity or public works. However, how many people would do so if they did not have to? Probably not enough, which is why taxes are levied to ensure the community thrives. When governments don’t spend tax money responsibly, that adds ammunition to the anti-tax argument.

Ultimately, the key to balancing individual rights and community responsibilities is respecting both values. This can be achieved by creating laws and policies protecting individual rights while promoting the common good. For example, individuals should have the right to free speech, but speech inciting violence cannot be permitted because it endangers public safety. Similarly, individuals should be free to pursue their goals and be encouraged to contribute meaningfully to the community.

Balancing individual rights and community responsibilities is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While individual rights are essential, they must be balanced with the responsibilities of being a community member. The students will explore this balance by playing a game that lets them decide the balance of how much they are willing to help their neighbor while pursuing their objective of victory.

Materials: 

·      A large play area

·      Pinnies or jerseys to help distinguish teams

·      Two dodgeballs per person

·      One cone or rubber disc dot per player

Minimum Number of Students Needed: You could play this game with as few as four people. However, this game can accommodate many more. It is only limited by your playing area. The fewer players you have, the more rest time you may need between rounds so the students can catch their breath.

Age: Middle school or advanced upper elementary