What are governments meant to do?

Question

Are governments and individual politicians meant to do what the majority of the public want?
Or are they meant to to do what they themselves think is right? If so why and what if public opinion changes a year after they are elected and they want a situation dealt with in a different way. How can you force a government to do what the majority of the population want?

Answer 1

The shepherd to lead and guide in the survival and advancement of living human kind for the good of mankind.
With the creation of peace on earth goodwill to men on planet earth.
Not in doing things at own whims and fancy while in office.
Look around at the damage of human lives of the little ones, own children, own generation and living human kind created in own backyards.
Exodus 20.1-6
Ever wonder how are we going to heal the wounds of the nations with the mess out there without our creator in ruling and leading in guiding the survival and advancement of living human kind on planet earth?

Answer 2

The government is to provide structure within our society so it can function. Some folks have a different take on the way a government is interpreted. some think the government should be held responsible and accountable to the people. Others say it is there to enforce moral codes on people and that people can then provide for themselves in the government-people framework. Still, others think that the government should only provide minimum basic services and to "stay out" of people's lives and to prevent social collapse and corruption.
The government may or may not follow the will of the people and it depends on what type of government we are talking about. A monarchy government feels that the people are unimportant - unless the monarch chooses to listen to the people. Republican (not the party) government, the people's will is exercised only during elections and the remedy used to make changes is usually through recall elections or impeachment. We are going through this kind of government here in America. If there is a "pure democracy" the people vote on every concern and the will of the people is expressed through the voting.

Answer 3

Govts are intended (generally) to provide an infrastructure and framework within which society can function.

Different people interpret this in different ways. Some view the role of the govt as being responsible for taking care of the people (liberal). Some view it as being obligated to enforce majority moral behavior codes on the people (conservative).

Some view it as only being there for absolutely minimal services and that the govt shouldn't do anything beyond what was necessary to keep society from collapsing or to prevent people harming each other, but stay out of everything else (libertarian).

As far as getting the govt to follow the will of the people, that's a matter of how the govt is structured. In a monarchy or a totalitarian regime, the will of the people is irrelevant unless the leader decides to pay attention. In a republic, the will of the people is exercised only at election time, unless the laws provide for some intermediate remedy (impeachment). In a pure democracy, people vote on every issue, so the will of the people is expressed with each vote. It all depends on the type of govt, and what laws are in place.

Answer 4

The fundamental principle of a democratic government is to provide representation based on a voted majority at several different levels. If an elected official at any level defies the trust of their constituents then their respective party or political organization suffers damage to their reputation and the results usually show in the next election.

Unfortunately, it took the American public 2 years too long to react accordingly in recent years and we are suffering the consequences.

Answer 5

governments are ment to protect this nation from terrorists and other countries that go on rampages. governments also do what the majority of the country tels them to do. certain people do what they think is right though. you can't force the government to do what you want it's just a fact after somebody is elected that's it unless that person does something illegal.

Answer 6

First find out what the majority opinion is on every issue, in every community. Only then will you have any chance that your politician will represent you.
Find that majority opinion by using myverdict.net

Answer 7

Politicians are suppose to act for the people but they don't greed and power get in the way. You can't force the Gov. to do anything, remember they are in it for the power.