Since America was founded on ideals of independence, Americans highly value personal liberties, the right and ability to act as one wishes. Often, people believe that personal liberties can only be achieved by reducing institutionally enforced obligations, mandatory tasks and restrictions, on citizens. For example, government taxation can be viewed as an obligation to pay a portion of income to the government on a regular basis. Due to taxation, a person would not be able to spend that money elsewhere, a limitation on personal liberty. Consequently, Americans as a whole prefer politicians who lower taxes, increasing monetary liberties by reducing monetary obligations. In contrast, conscription is a case where liberty is maximized when obligations are imposed on citizens.
In times of great military need, able bodied men are required to fight for America via the selective service. Since conscription is mandatory, selective service can be seen as an institutional obligation imposed on citizens. In contrast to the previous example, the obligation of conscription maximizes liberty by defending the interests of the country. If America loses a war, the victor would impose monumental restrictions on personal liberties. Conscription can be seen as an obligation on citizens that ensures that personal liberties are maintained.
In reduction of taxation, liberties are enhanced by reduction of monetary obligation to the government. In contrast, the obligation of conscription allows a country to preserve its ability to offer personal liberties to citizens. In other words, liberties are maximized when restrictions on the liberties are minimized. However, when liberties are built upon obligation, liberties are maximized when obligation is not minimized.