Should Public Service Be Mandatory?

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Americans have always been eager to serve their country and communities. Many times throughout history, our nation’s leaders have called on ordinary citizens to seek out opportunities to serve. In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called on “every American to commit at least two years?4,000 hours?over the rest of your lifetime to the service of your neighbors and your nation.” After establishing a domestic service corps, President Bill Clinton remarked, “When I ask our country’s young people to give something back to our country through grassroots service, they responded by the thousands.”

Enter BPC’s Snaps of Service photo contest

How do we attract the top talent to serve in government and elected office?

Is civility in Washington important to you?

What’s your favorite form of public service?

How do you think having more women in Congress affects the legislative process?

Do you think Congress should address issues piecemeal or attempt comprehensive solutions?

Please post your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also tweet to us at @BPC_Bipartisan using the #EngageUSA hashtag or leave a message on our Facebook wall.

As Citizens for Political Reform, it’s up to all of us to make our collective voice heard to influence our leaders in Washington and across the country to make our government work. Every week, BPC will ask Citizens for Political Reform questions to solicit ways to improve government. Responses to these questions will be used to help inform the Commission on Political Reform and policy makers about public opinion.

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