The Role of Government in Society: Beyond Laws and Rules
The fundamental question of what the purpose of government truly is has long puzzled thinkers and policy-makers. To understand this concept, we need to address the pivotal roles of laws and rules in managing societal cohesiveness and ensuring justice and tranquility.
Laws and Rules to Manage Cohesiveness
Historically, governments have been established to manage the cohesiveness of society through various means such as having a parliament, planning with a budget, and collecting money to support this planning and the government's operations. Regular elections and accountability for services are also essential components of effective governance. The U.S. Constitution encapsulates the principle that the government is established 'to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.'
Law as a Level Playing Field
Laws and rules serve multiple critical functions. They establish a level playing field where everyone has access to justice, property rights, and a stable currency system. They also provide defense for the nation and ensure independent police enforcement. Essential services such as fire and police are best provided by the government, but they should remain impartial and not interfere in the economy as participants. Instead, they should act as impartial referees in the game of societal governance.
Without Laws, the Wild West
Imagine a society without laws and enforceable rules. In such a scenario, the strongest individuals or groups would naturally impose their will, leading to chaos and a lack of order. Hence, the establishment of a legal framework is crucial to maintain a structured and just society.
The Purpose of Government vs. Reality
The ideal stated purpose of government is to serve its people. However, many critics argue that the actual observed purpose often lies elsewhere. In many cases, governments serve their politicians and their sponsors, leading to a failure in achieving the true goals of societal cohesiveness and justice.
The Choice Between Democracy and Oligarchy
When resolving disputes and enacting policies, societies must choose between two fundamental paradigms: rule by majority (democracy) or rule by minority (oligarchy). While there are sub-forms of each, these are the only two bases upon which societies can be organized and governed. The current decision-making process in many nations is often an oligarchy dressed in democratic or republican trappings.
The Purpose of Laws and Government
From a functional perspective, laws serve several purposes. They can authorize the implementation of social benefits, constrain behaviors, and impose consequences on lawbreakers. Additionally, laws sometimes enable states to authorize abuse of the public or specific segments of it. In any case, the process of making decisions around these laws is what constitutes the genuine purpose of government.
Conclusion: Addressing the Root of Government Failure
The root of many government failures is the false representation of the public. This misrepresentation can lead to policies and actions that fail to align with the true desires and needs of the populace. To succeed, we must recognize the underlying oligarchic nature of many governance systems and work towards more transparent and inclusive decisions that truly serve the people.