2006-07-23 11:16:24 · 6 answers · asked by Girl 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Acording to John Locke, government exists to protect the individual and to protect the common interests of the community, and to provide for them as best as possible. Locke says that every person has absolute power; that is any person can do whatever they would like to, so long as they have the ability. However, Absolute power corrupts, and many seek protection from it. Therefore, a civil contract is formed in which you give up your absolute power so that the community protects your life, liberty, and property, and the community protects yours. Therefore, government exists solely to protect human interest.
However, an individual can attempt to gain back absolute power by committing a crime. As that individual has "signed" the civil contract by living in society, (s)he is subject to punishment as society sees fit.
There are two ways to "sign" the civil contract. You are either born into society, or agree to enter that society.
Government too can corrupt. When government ceases to protect the common interest of citizens, revolution or civil war become justified.
I hope that insight helps! I wish you the best of all!
2006-07-23 11:24:58 · answer #1 · answered by Dan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like what Dan had about John Locke. Based on what Locke wrote about civil government. But you can beat Thomas Jefferson who clearly laid out the purpose of government in the declaration of independence.
That all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, to safeguard these rights governments are instituted amongst men. The purpose of government is to protect individual rights. That is its only legitimate purpose, any other purposes it tries to accomplish will be at the cost of its legitimacy.
2006-07-23 19:24:59 · answer #2 · answered by Roadkill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the real one of the one they want you to believe?
lol...
seriously, they'Re suppose to represent the people as a whole and voice their opinion for the people.
they usually collect taxes from people in order to help people that needs it or provide services; like post offices, the army, social security and what not...
but not all government are like that...
some people abuse the power that has been bestowed upon them...and will govern with profit for themselves or particular interests...but that's another story...
governments are suppose to help people they were ellected from.
2006-07-23 18:23:11 · answer #3 · answered by Robert R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Provide for the common defense and some very basic things that the states do not do specifically. That is how it should be at least.
2006-07-23 18:20:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its basically to run people's lives.
They believe without the goverment people wouldnt be able to maintain a peaceful life with themselves or neighbors. Sometimes I agree other times I disagree- I guess w.e you want to think the goverment does is what it does.
2006-07-23 18:21:03 · answer #5 · answered by Lee G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to protect us from external threats, as well as from each other; but, also to provide for a few certain common needs. The fewer the needs that a society deems as common is better in my opinion.
2006-07-23 18:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by rlw 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋