What Is The Purpose Of The Government By Course Hero

Soomo Publishing went around to ask people on the street on what is the purpose of the government. This video is interesting as people have almost the same thoughts on what is the purpose of the government. It all boils down to “government is for the people.”

Watch the video below.

People On The Street – What Is The Purpose Of The Government

So what is really the purpose of the government?

The primary purpose of the government according to Scot Schraugnagel, Ph.D. includes to make laws, to maintain order, provide security, protect the citizens from external threats, and promote the general welfare by providing public services.

Below is a brief rundown of the purpose of the government taken from Purposes Of Government | American Government by Course Hero

Purposes Of Government | American Government

The Government Establish Laws.

All governments enact laws however the law-making process and systems vary from country to country.

  • In an absolute monarchy or dictatorship, laws are proclaimed by a ruler.
  • In a democracy, laws are made by the people or more commonly through elected representatives.

Central to a democratic government is the principle of the rule of law – the idea that all people and institutions within a state are subject to the same laws. These laws must be publicly recorded and forced equally across the population and interpreted by an independent and unbiased body such as a judicial branch. Both the governed and those who govern are equally protected and accountable for their actions.

The Government Maintains Order and Security

All governments work to establish order and security but the underlying goal of that purpose can vary.

  • Under an authoritarian government, the purpose of maintaining order is in large part to maintain the stability and security of the regime.
  • In a democratic government, the rule of law or commitment to laws is used to maintain order and provide security within the state.

The preamble to the constitution causes this, ensuring domestic tranquility. This tranquility includes providing institution such as the criminal justice system which has the role of protecting citizens from everything – physical harm to destruction or theft of personal property.

The government also institutes the civil justice system as a mechanism citizens can use to tell disputes. Another key component in maintaining order and security.

The Government Protects The People From External Threats

The protection provided by the government is not confined to maintaining order within its borders. The state also provides security from external threat. This includes physical attacks such as terrorism, invisible attacks such as cyber espionage. Moreover, the government has the authority to raise and maintain a military for defense purposes and the power to declare war.

The government can promote international security by participating in diplomatic efforts, signing treaties and other international agreements, sending ambassadors to other countries to represent the country and its interest.

The Government Provide For The General Welfare

Welfare in this sense pertains to happiness and well-being within the society. Governments provide a range of services to achieve this broad purpose – from public education, financial support to the old, maintaining a safe and efficient infrastructure such as highways and bridges, and providing access to clean air and water.

Final Thoughts

While the government moves and acts for the people, mainly for the protection and general well being of the people, the people likewise have a responsibility to themselves. While security protection is very important and a top priority, people can take measures to further protect themselves and their property by a simple installation of Window Security Film through a trusted security film company.

Shevon Shane

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