Which of the following is a civic duty of American citizens?

Paying federal taxes is a civic duty of American citizens because it is a legal obligation mandated by law. Every American who earns an income is required to contribute a portion to the federal government, which is used to fund various critical services and infrastructure, including education, healthcare, national defense, and public safety. This responsibility helps ensure that the government has the resources it needs to operate effectively and provide for the common good.

Civic duties are actions that individuals are expected to perform as members of a society. While voting, joining the military, and volunteering for community service are all important civic responsibilities, they are not legally mandated in the same way that paying federal taxes is. Voting is highly encouraged and essential for participation in democracy, but it is not compulsory for citizens. Similarly, joining the military is voluntary unless in times of a draft, and volunteering for community service, although valuable, is not required by law. Thus, paying federal taxes stands out as a fundamental civic duty that upholds the functioning of government and society.