Citizen responsibilities and potential pitfalls of a Constitutional Republic

In a constitutional republic citizens elect representatives to govern. City government is the closest form of this elected representation to the citizens of the city. The elected local representatives can have the most pronounced effects on citizens daily lives and quality of life.

Powers are concentrated with the elected representatives who may lose touch with everyday citizens and elitism or corruption can sneak in or direction can drift from public will if elected officials ignore voters.

If voters stay apathetic representatives get too comfortable.

In a constitutional republic, individual sovereignty is protected by the constitution and laws, but representatives hold the power, so your voice trickles up through votes. That is why your vote is so critical, especially at the local level.