Obligations refer to the duties and requirements that U.S. citizens are legally obligated to fulfill, whereas responsibilities are more general expectations and actions that citizens are encouraged to undertake for the betterment of society. Obligations are typically enforced by law and failure to fulfill them may result in legal consequences, while responsibilities are more of a moral and social nature. Examples of obligations include paying taxes, obeying laws, serving on juries, and defending the country if called upon for military service. Responsibilities, on the other hand, may include voting, volunteering, staying informed about current events, participating in community activities, and respecting the rights and opinions of fellow citizens.
