In the United States, where, of course, there is just such a constitution, civic duties are defined in law - they're the responsibilities of citizens to their country, such as obeying the law and paying taxes.

BBC: Is there such a thing as civic duty? And do we feel it?

She said the health secretary's duties as currently defined in the bill were "neither prescriptive nor exhaustive" and therefore the amendment "would not give the secretary of state a new power to do anything that the clause does not already accommodate".

BBC: Public health campaigns to remain in reformed NHS

Health minister Earl Howe emphasised that the bill's specific requirement for the health secretary to have regard to promoting research was the first of its kind, but promised to "undertake closer consideration" of how the health secretary's duties on research are defined.

BBC: Government pledge on health research

Today the focus is upon sponsors of defined contribution plans that have not diligently fulfilled their fiduciary duties regarding conflicts of interest, excessive costs, abusive practices and investment performance related to management of these plans.

FORBES: An Extreme Makeover Due For Defined Contribution Plans: 401(k), 403(b) and 457s All Under Attack (June 1, 2007)

In the past large defined contribution plans overseen by unsophisticated employees with other corporate duties, without an investment consultant or investment policy statement to guide them, utilizing well-known mutual fund families exclusively (without competitive bidding), failing to monitor best execution, revenue sharing, securities lending, custody arrangements and other issues, was the norm.

FORBES: An Extreme Makeover Due For Defined Contribution Plans: 401(k), 403(b) and 457s All Under Attack (June 1, 2007)