What role should government play in our society?

Question

I have very strong opinions about this question, but I'd like to see what people think about the role of government in society. What services should or shouldn't the government provide? When do you think they've overstepped their bounds? And how do we keep them constrained? How much should we be willing to pay to provide this? Please be specific, as terms like, "providing for the common good" can be easily interpreted to mean whatever you want.

Answer 1

Throughout civilization governments have had more than a role of defending the nation against enemies. The government has an obligation to plan against tough times by putting aside surplus commodities against famine. They have an obligation to keep peace and enforce laws. They have an obligation to protect the populace against pestilence. They have an obligation to facilitate trade for goods that cannot be produced. They have an obligation to aid those who have encountered catastrophic events.

Advanced civilizations have taken on the obligation of protecting children and women, and educating the populace/

None of these things are examples of a nanny state - they have belonged to governments since the dawn of civilization, and the later obligations to the dawn of enlightenment - which brought about the founding of our Nation.

Answer 2

Well, you question may really inspiring, but somehow cannot suggest the fact that government's role was there already. Instead, what role should you need the government be provided to the society if those that were given are not enough to tell? Although, your question would depend on what kind of government you're talking about. If you this question of what would in the third world countries, you may have a right reason to blame a particular institution of all that may be lacking. But not other developing countries for example, the United States of America to which this question may mean.

I think, the role played by government was provided. This in term of service delivery. For example, infrastructure development, job creation, education, healthcare system, clean drinking water, and more to mention on this project. You might someone that work with government, non-governmental organizations, business person, and more a few to give on this answer. I think this is a share ideal that nothing beyond all the above mention agendas than for one to agree on all that the government has provided in most areas.

Answer 3

I don't really know how anyone could answer this question. In today's environment it would be very hard to balance the regulation of large business, labor and government. 200 years ago there were not any businesses that compare to what we see today. A completely different lifestyle. People lived off their land and made their own way. Sink or swim. But somewhere along the line people gave that up so they could go work for someone else, like Ford, way back when. History teaches us that the more government control over people the less freedom they have. Hey, the government is made up of people who have their own interests at hand. Then you have labor - the common folk. Since when did we think that we had a right to everything we see? Cable TV, Internet, automobiles and the fuel that they need? But we do have a right to earn it.

Basically it comes down to what we have to offer? Only our labor and talents. If you do something that people will pay to see, like hit a baseball 500ft, or you can create a good or provide a service, then you can demand a price you think worthy of your talent. The guy who is asking your price has the right to say you aren't worth that much and make a counter offer. You either take it or not. I hate giving up my hard earned pay while using that talent, to the government unless it is going to be a benefit to me and my family. I reserve the right to give to the needy out of my abundance. Most people will do that without the government sticking their hands in your pocket.

Answer 4

To get the right answer, you have to ask the right question. The right question is...what is 'the government'?
The 'government' is 'The People', and the 'People' are the citizens of the United States of America. The 'government' isn't a foreign occupying army or some collegium of gods on Mount Olympus that make decisions as to what we poor humans should or should not have. WE the People, through our elected representatives, decide these things within the restrictions of our Constitution. The Constitution is an afirmative document. What isn't forbidden is allowed, subject to time, place and manner. Ferinstance....This means that if THE PEOPLE feel that its time for UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE there's no reason why OUR Government shouldn't pass the appropriate legislation to bring that about. Lincoln said it best..."....the government should do for the people only what the people cannot do for themselves." Again as illustration, millions of Americans cannot access affordable health insurance and those that have this essential product are in constant danger of losing it. Education is another example...right up to the university level! Those two and Social Security actually would provide for the 'general welfare as the Constitution suggests and only a cabal of right wing morons are holding that general welfare up!

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What role should government play in our society?
I have very strong opinions about this question, but I'd like to see what people think about the role of government in society. What services should or shouldn't the government provide? When do you think they've overstepped their bounds? And how do we keep them constrained? How much...

Answer 6

Some years back, I saw a documentary film about the Dutch constitution, and how their laws affect life in the Netherlands. It was impressive - it reads like orders from the people to the government. I can't quote it word for word, but it went something like: "The government shall maintain effective stewardship of the environment," "The government shall provide medical care for all citizens," etc., etc. I wanted to jump on a plane to Holland! But it would be easier to have those things here - all we have to do is tell the government what to do, instead of having it the other way around. Link to the film below:

Answer 7

The proper function of government is the protection of life and property. That's why we need to elect Ron Paul President. Dr. Paul will restore Constitutional government. This would get government off our backs and out of our pockets.

Answer 8

It should play whatever role the People want it to play. This is a democracy, after all.

Answer 9

Government in the US should do what the MAJORITY decides it should do on an ongoing basis.

I may personally believe that the government should protect me on a national basis, establish minimum standards for health care and education and require states to enforce them, and maintain a stable monetary system. But if everyone votes otherwise then that's the way it goes.

Answer 10

I might suggest that you visit this website where onel can compare rates from the best companies: http://PROTECTIONQUOTES.NET/index.html?src=5YAojmqfNU741

RE :What role should government play in our society?
I have very strong opinions about this question, but I'd like to see what people think about the role of government in society. What services should or shouldn't the government provide? When do you think they've overstepped their bounds? And how do we keep them constrained? How much should we be willing to pay to provide this? Please be specific, as terms like, "providing for the common good" can be easily interpreted to mean whatever you want.
2 following 11 answers