All eight values of free expression are uniquely important to shape our country, its function, and its policies in the world today. Their importance is exponentially growing as the United States fights political battles, environmental battles, and social battles. This makes all of these values important factors in keeping our government and citizens working together and using their power in a helpful, safe, and regulated manner.
Check Government Power
One of these values in particular aligns with my personal opinion quite well. I find it deeply important to know one's duty as an active citizen to question authority. Without the questioning of authority we are the blind leading the blind. We as citizens, without checking government power, would have no knowledge or say in the use, or even misuse, of government power. That is why I find it so important that it is so valuable to check government power.
First and foremost, checking government power, when done correctly, is an amazing way to exercise democracy. Democracy is the fact that the government gets its power only through the consent of the governed. The government of the United States wouldn't be a democracy if we as people did not have the right to question the government's authority, consent to how they govern, and have a say in if they are utilizing their power correctly. In fact there has been a recent check of power on the United States President regarding an executive overreach. The CLC states that the public is checking concerning the presidential authority over independent agencies, withholding funds, and prompting calls for Congress to reassert its constitutional role, even as voters express concern over concentrated power.
Having the right and ability to check the government's power is a true way to exercise democracy. Not only does checking the government exercise democracy but another reason I value this ability so much is because it utilizes the freedom of the press to help citizens become aware of possible abuses of power. When citizens of the United States are aware of these possible abuses of power in the government, they are much more likely to notice them in real scenarios and bring change when there is an abuse of power. If these abuses are brought to the light, many more people are going to feel comfortable bringing up these problems.
As a citizen of the United States I find it the duty of all citizens, including myself, to play an active part in the check-and-balance system that is made to restrain government power and their ability to abuse power. I deeply value my personal power and freedom as well as the personal power and freedom of my peers. This check and balance system also contributes to the theory of diversity contributing to a better community. Since the community has the right to check the government, they can speak up when not all minorities are being represented, which in turn keeps diversity in our power systems to help create a more equal community. Social media is also a big aspect in this check and balance system because it spreads all different viewpoints from different communities to bring awareness when a check needs to be made.
Having the personal ability to check the government's use of the power not only empowers individuals, including myself, but it strengthens democracy by ensuring accountability. If the people can hold the government and its officials accountable for wrongdoings, then the government will be less comfortable overstepping with their use of power.
Overall, the importance of holding the ability to check the government is more valuable in today's world than ever. Holding the power to give consent or refute the government's uses of power is a luxury, and it's very important that we as people exercise those rights and responsibilities. I personally hold this ability as the most important value of free expression because it keeps, maintains, and strengthens democracy, which is necessary in today's constantly growing and changing world.
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