If the population distrusted government, would government use force in order to continue to "serve" the people

Answer 1

If it is a bad government and the citizens have no way to fight back against the government.

Answer 2

Would the government use force against its own people! Anyone ever see a movie called "7 Days in May"? , but of course that was just a movie it could never happen in the US for real, could it? The stated purpose of EVERY nations military is to defend its territorial integrity from all enemies both foreign and domestic. However, is there possibly a 2nd reason for a nation to maintain armed forces to stand prepared to enforce the governments will upon its own people? Its a way of life in many parts of the world some might say most of the world, Africa, south & central America and parts of Asia, but it could never happen in the good ol USA, right. Since 9/11 how many basic freedoms has your government suspended or changed in the interests of homeland security? Passports rules, freedom of movement, legislation allowing the violation of personal privacy, the creation of detention centers outside of US legal jurisdiction and many more i`m sure only Americans are truly aware of.
I do agree the likelihood of a military inspired or directed coup in the USA is very remote, but never say never my friends, never lose sight that every government believes they know whats best of their people, whether the people agree or ot. Increased rearmlement by Russia & China maniacs & rouge nations like Iran & Chevez are making this world an ever increasingly dangerous place.

Its a world problem that needs world attention & unity, but that seems more unlikly ever passing day. The Democtic nations of the world are more focused on their individual interests then collective problems even if they are one and the same.

As the threat level from those who wish you ill rises so will your personal freedoms decline. Its a law of humankind it seems think it might be part of Murphys.

Answer 3

There are two answers to your question.

1. There is no use of force necessary to rid the nation of a distrusted government in the United States. The use of the ballot box is the way to revolution. Just vote the people out of office you think do not serve the people.

2. Rely on public opinion to sway the government to stay on the correct path. Most politicians rely on polls to see the way the wind is blowing before taking any action. This wishy-washing way of running the government has been going on forever.

Personally I believe Number One is the correct way. It is indeed the fastest way. I pray that it never becomes necessary to find out.

Answer 4

It has happend in the past in other countries but the likelihood of the United States is much less. The military tradition here is to remain clear of politics and the Oath is to the Constitution and not to the government itself. The last time the oath was changed was the American Civil War and was one of the reasons that many officers, Robert E. Lee in particular resigned the U.S. military. He had been offered the command of the Northern forces and turned it down but remained as the West Point Commandant, he did not believe in slavery and had freed the slaves he inherited many years before. He resigned and went South to sit out the war, stay neutral, when they rewrote the Oath to swear loyalty to the government which he felt he could not do. The U.S. military, I spent 20 years in, is reminded that we do not the government but that our oath and duty is to protect the Constitution from all enemies both foreign and domestic.

Answer 5

The only time that the military can be used for civil disputes, riots, etc... is if the president declairs martial law. This can be declared in times of emergency, war, or civil unrest.

It is unlikely that situations requiring the commitment of Federal Armed Forces will necessitate the declaration of martial law. When Federal Armed Forces are committed in the event of civil disturbances, their proper role is to support, not supplant, civil authority. Martial law depends for its justification upon public necessity.

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the U.S. military from civilian law enforcement within the United States.

Answer 6

"Force" is a tricky concept. The US Army used soldiers (out of uniform) to surveil (sp?) protesters outside of corporations like Bachtel in San Francisco. Made a bit of a flap a while ago. Additionally, ACLU used Freedom of Information to determine that Defence Department was using their databases to keep tabs on protesters (http://www.aclu.org/safefree/spyfiles/27050prs20061012.html). But are either of these things force? What about conflict between Anarchists and San Francisco Police Department? Are the Police the instigators of force there, or the responders to property destruction?

So I guess it depends on how your are thinking of "force".

Answer 7

If you look at our governement in the 70's the answer would be no.

Answer 8

The 2nd Amendment assures that the government won't even try that.

Answer 9

Which is why governement s should not be allowed to control our guns.

Answer 10

Ask a Pakistani!