Role of Government and Subsidiarity: The state must promote human dignity, protect human rights and build the common good. People have the right and responsibility to participle in political institutions so that government can achieve its proper goals. One of the important functions of government is to assist citizens in fulfilling their responsibility to others in society. According to the principle of subsidiarity, decisions should be made at the lowest level possible: a decision which can be made at a local level should not be made at a national level. In order that the right to development may be fulfilled by action: (a) people should not be hindered from attaining development in accordance with their own culture; (b) through mutual cooperation, all peoples should be able to become the principal architects of their own economic and social development (Justice in the World, #71). If any government does not acknowledge the rights of humankind or violates them, it not only fails in its duty, but its orders completely lack juridical force (Peace on Earth, #61). In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, 'It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life' (nos. 1913-1915). Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, #13ScriptureLeviticus 25:23-43; Micah 6:6-8; Jeremiah 22: 13-16; John 15:12-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15