In The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, Richard Haass argues that a healthy democracy depends not only on the rights citizens enjoy, but also on the responsibilities they uphold. Drawing on history, political philosophy, and contemporary civic challenges, Haass outlines ten civic habits—from being informed and participating in public life to practicing civility and prioritizing the common good—that help sustain democratic institutions. Rather than offering a partisan argument, the book invites students to reconsider what citizenship requires of each of us and how individual behavior shapes the health of the broader political community.
For educators, The Bill of Obligations provides a flexible framework for engaging students in meaningful discussions about democracy and civic life. As demonstrated in the accompanying syllabus, the book can anchor a course exploring the foundations of American democracy, contemporary challenges facing democratic institutions, and the role of citizen responsibility in addressing them. Through discussion questions, simulations, and applied projects, students are encouraged not only to study democratic principles but to practice them—developing the critical thinking, civil discourse, and collaborative skills that are central to both higher education and democratic citizenship.
Find a Syllabus for The Bill of Obligations here.
