Which of the following is a key responsibility of U.S. citizenship?

Paying taxes is a fundamental responsibility of U.S. citizenship because it is one of the primary ways citizens contribute to their government and society. Taxes support a variety of essential services including education, public safety, infrastructure, and social programs. The obligation to pay taxes ensures that the government has the resources needed to operate effectively and provide necessary services to the population.

While voting in state elections, attending city council meetings, and serving in the military are important civic duties and actions that citizens can participate in, they are not legally mandated in the same way that paying taxes is. Voting is a right that not all citizens utilize, attendance at local meetings is encouraged but not required, and serving in the military can be voluntary or mandated only in specific situations, such as a draft. Therefore, the obligation to pay taxes remains a key responsibility that directly impacts governance and societal welfare.