In basic civics, a civic duty is a task that is legally required of which category of citizens in a democratic country?

Introduction / Context:
Civics textbooks often distinguish between rights, responsibilities, and duties. Rights are freedoms or entitlements citizens enjoy, while responsibilities are expectations of good behaviour. Duties, however, are legal obligations that citizens must perform, and failure to do so may lead to penalties. This question asks you to identify which citizens are subject to civic duties in a democratic system.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The key term is civic duty, such as obeying laws, paying taxes, or serving on a jury when called.
• Options describe different groups: elected party members, a small minority, a majority, or all citizens under the law.
• We assume a general democratic system where laws are applied broadly and not only to office holders.
• The question focuses on the scope of legal obligation, not on specific types of duties.

Concept / Approach:
A civic duty is a task required by law. Common examples include obeying the law, paying taxes, and in some countries, compulsory voting or national service. These obligations generally apply to all citizens who meet certain legal criteria, such as age or residency, and are not limited to people holding political positions. The idea is that every citizen has a basic role in maintaining the legal and social order. Therefore, the correct answer is that duties apply to all citizens who fall within the relevant legal categories, not just a select few.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that duties like obeying the law and paying taxes are expected of everyone, not only politicians or volunteers.Step 2: Recognise that if a task is a duty, the law usually makes it compulsory and attaches sanctions for non compliance.Step 3: Observe that options describing elected party members or a small minority do not match this broad legal obligation.Step 4: Understand that the phrase "all citizens who fall within the law's scope" covers everyone the law says must perform a duty, such as all adults or all taxpayers.Step 5: Select the option that correctly states that duties apply to all such citizens, regardless of personal choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of examples from your own country. Every adult driver must obey traffic laws; this is not optional. Tax laws apply to all individuals and businesses that meet income thresholds, not just elected officials. If a country has compulsory military or civic service, it is generally defined by law for all eligible citizens. These examples show that duties are broadly applicable obligations, supporting the view that they apply to all citizens within the law's criteria, not to only a minority group or party members.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only those citizens who are elected to a political party office: Holding party office is not a requirement for basic civic duties such as obeying the law.
• A small minority of citizens selected by the government: Some specialised roles are filled this way, but core civic duties are general legal obligations.
• A majority of citizens chosen through voluntary registration: Voluntary registration describes voluntary service, not a legal duty.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse civic duties with voluntary community service or political activism, which may involve only interested individuals. Another mistake is to think that only politicians or public servants have duties, while ordinary citizens only have rights. In reality, all citizens share certain compulsory duties that make democratic life possible. Keeping a clear distinction between universal legal obligations and voluntary participation helps answer such questions correctly.

Final Answer:
A civic duty is a task required by law of all citizens who fall within the law's scope, regardless of personal choice in a democratic country.