Question

however, these freedoms come with important civic obligations to keep our democracy healthy. i must obey the laws, pay taxes, and serve on a jury when called.
becoming a citizen has shown me that true liberty is a balance of beautiful rights and shared responsibilities. i miss you all and hope to see you soon!

Explanation:

Transcribe the text and identify the obscured words

The text reads: "However, these freedoms come with important civic obligations to keep our democracy healthy. I must obey the laws, [obscured text], and serve on a jury when called."

Analyze the context for the missing civic obligations

The sentence lists standard US civic obligations:

1. "obey the laws"
2. "[obscured text]"
3. "serve on a jury when called"

The obscured text starts with "pay t..." and is followed by "axes". The standard civic obligation that fits this spelling and context is "pay taxes".

Answer:

However, these freedoms come with important civic obligations to keep our democracy healthy. I must obey the laws, <blank>pay taxes</blank>, and serve on a jury when called.
Becoming a citizen has shown me that true liberty is a balance of beautiful rights and shared responsibilities. I miss you all and hope to see you soon!