Does goverment has any responsibility for providing more than defense and infrastructure?
2007-04-23 16:02:15 · 14 answers · asked by Jason 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
I like to think of the role of government in broader terms. They are responsible for providing public goods. What that means is, they provide products that benefit everybody in the nation equally, where the market is inefficient. Like you mentioned, defense. A farmer in Kansas and a entrepreneur in California can equally benefit from good defense.
Also, government provides certain items that would cause free-rider problems. For example, IF the government decided to clean the air, everybody benefits. You can't charge a man for breathing clean air, and if he doesn't pay force him to breath dirty air. In order to prevent this "free-rider" government forces everybody to pay taxes to pay for things that will benefit everybody.
The debate between republicans and democrats come from defining what qualifies as a public good. One could argue that providing everybody with excellent health care will lift the poverty of the country, bettering the economy and then everybody can benefit. One the other hand, federal government shouldn't be handing million dollar grants to local fire stations because the only people who benefit from that are the locals, not the country overall.
Of course our government has strayed so far from this concept, and spends money on ridiculous things (thank pork barreling). But this is basic understanding behind the purpose of a government.
My rule of thumb is, if it doesn't benefit everybody in the country, then the federal government shouldnt be paying for it. Your state or county government should be taking care of it. So yes that leaves defense, some limited infrastructure, and homeland security (national guard).
2007-04-23 16:33:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only defense and infrastructure. No more than that. Too many people want the government to be their Momma. Small government and more personal responsibility is best. I know best how to run my life, make my own decisions, and spend my money. I do not need the government making these decisions for me.
2007-04-23 16:33:19 · answer #2 · answered by lizardmama 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Defense
Infrastructure
Courts
Trade
Immigration
Otherwise NO.
Privitize.
Our Borders should be secure.
Our immigration process More refined.
Govt Role Fed.
NO EPA, Dept Education, Energy, Commerce, HHS,
BLS,
None.
(all under Carter reign 1970s).
2007-04-23 16:06:53 · answer #3 · answered by STEPHEN R 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend thats always screaming about the government never paid the freed slaves the reparations
promised, namely 20 acres and a mule. Are people still
waiting to recieve that?
2007-04-23 16:11:38 · answer #4 · answered by peachiepie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Protection. A country without a well organized government is total chaos. Iraq ring any bells?
Protection goes beyond just military or police. It is protection from injustice. Watching out for the little guy or just basically keeping us free.
2007-04-23 16:10:29 · answer #5 · answered by patzj1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess it would depend on if you were a democrat or republican. Personally Bush under the guise of republican has raised government spending far beyond any other conservative in office before him, also not unlike the democratic party has increased government size. true republicans are fiscally responsible and believe in small government were people take the burden of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. The big bad world doesn't owe you or me a darn thing.
2007-04-23 16:09:54 · answer #6 · answered by Working Stiff 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That's about it. Other than safeguarding our personal freedom and a few basic safeguards keeping corporations in check. I suggest everyone should take "The World's Smallest Political Quiz" to see where they actually fall politically, I bet quite a few of you would be surprised. I put a link below....
2007-04-23 16:19:00 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. Know-it-all 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They should not, but we are way too late. Things have become so convoluted, I believe that we have created a hole from which we will not emerge (at least for the next 50-75 years if things go well).
2007-04-23 16:24:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I was just thinking "defense and infastructure" when I read the rest of your post.
I guess I would add: mail services, TSA (but that falls under defense) and fire/police...def not healthcare.
2007-04-23 16:06:20 · answer #9 · answered by KJ480 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the government provides me with condoms i am more then happy with that.
2007-04-23 16:18:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋