What Duties Citizens Have Under the Constitution
The Constitution establishes both rights and citizens’ duties. Duties are not the price of having rights: their scope, performance and consequences are determined by the Constitution and special laws.
Rights and duties coexist
The Constitution protects human rights and also establishes citizens’ duties. Failure to perform one duty does not remove another constitutional right: any consequence must be assessed separately under the law and the applicable procedure.
Core duties
- observe the Constitution and laws;
- pay taxes and other charges established by law;
- defend the Republic as provided by law;
- care for children and incapacitated parents;
- protect nature and respect the rights and freedoms of others.
What matters in a concrete case
Tax obligations, military service, maintenance, environmental rules and other duties are governed by different laws. The legal consequence depends on the alleged conduct, evidence, time limit and procedure.
Start with the constitutional provision, then read the relevant law and official procedure. A short explainer alone is not enough to determine liability.
Key facts
- The Constitution names citizens’ duties alongside rights
- Consequences of non-compliance depend on a special law and procedure
- One duty is not a condition for the existence of another constitutional right
- Check the legal basis, time limit and competent authority in a concrete case
Public positions and documents
An editorial selection showing how the topic developed and where it stands now.
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«Территориальная целостность, суверенитет страны, права и свободы граждан получили свое закрепление в качестве главных ценностей. Соблюдение Закона и Порядка, развитие образования, науки и новых технологий, сохранение чистоты, защита природы и поддержка волонтерской деятельности были определены как конституционные обязанности.»
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«В новой Преамбуле права и свободы человека впервые провозглашены в качестве основного приоритета государства.»
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.