<p>Prompt: Should people take more responsibility for solving problems that affect their communities or the nation in general?</p>
<pre><code>People should be the initial activists for problems in their community. We should not rely on the "nation in general", which is usually represented by the government. Several historical examples, such as the American War of Independence and the Mayan civilisation, prove that governments cannot be trusted with the needs of individuals.
The American Revolution of 1776 was instigated by the failure of a national government. The English, who ruled the American colonies from Parliament House in London, failed to recognise the fiscal and economic burdens which were weighing down on the Americans. It took an act of defiance, a declaration of complete separation from the ruling powers, for the colonists to regain their individual rights. The outcome of the Revolution showed that an overall rule does not necessarily guarantee fair treatment for the people.
The ancient Mayan civilisation was one of highly religious, superstitious, and astronomical practices. As an individual in Maya at the time of their golden age in 250-900 A.D, one would rely on the gods to provide for his or her household's produce. But with an overall rule in place, the Mayan leaders took the tranquil beliefs of individuals to devastating extremes. This resulted in the practice of human sacrifice to appease their gods. This bloodbath is proof that governments cannot be entirely trusted with the desires of individuals.
Even now, in the 21st Century, it is apparent that the people's actions are the most influential of a nation. As with the recent Climate Change debate, it is individuals' decisions to turn off a light bulb, not the government's carbon taxing, that will make the greatest difference.
Throughout history's and our modern issues, it has been the people who have suffered at the hands of governments. I believe that it is high time we restrain the power of a national rule, and we, as individuals, take the responsibility for our communities' problems.
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<p><strong><em>I am an Australian student in Year 11 wanting to apply for NYU's Tisch film school. Oh, and I'm not a believer in Climate Change - so I wasn't just spewing up words from my science class...just couldn't think of anything else in the 25 minutes. I really do appreciate any score and/or advice anyone could give me to improve. Thanks all!</em></strong></p>