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Functions of Government
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Preserve Order
Recall Thomas Hobbes' grim view of humans when ungoverned by a central authority. Maintaining social peace is perhaps the fundamental purpose of government. The US Constitution's preamble refers to this function specifically when it declares its intent to "ensure domestic tranquility," an elegant phrase to describe the government's role as society's policeman.
Defend Against External Enemies
Nuclear missilesWhile anthropologists continue to debate whether or not humans are an inherently warlike species, war has been a constant in the human condition since the dawn of recorded civilization. In fact, a growing body of scholarship suggests that the state evolved into its present, modern form because of its superior capacity for waging war vis-à-vis competing forms of political organization. While the development of nuclear weapons in the mid-20th century makes outright conflict between powerful states less likely but more dangerous, one of government's chief functions is still the protection of societies against outside aggression.
Manage Economic Conditions
Modern governments are expected to create the conditions for economic growth and material prosperity. While not all governments do this successfully, it is a function assumed in modern democracies. In the United States, economic policy leaves most decisions to the private markets where individual choice, competition and exchange are presumed to lead to a growing economy. But even free markets need government regulation in the form of enforceable property rights, consumer protection, enforcement of contracts, and health and safety laws to work fairly and efficiently.
Redistribute Income and Resources
MoneyGovernments in economically developed countries are expected to not only make the economic pie grow larger but to distribute the fruits of prosperity. Governments tax wealthier citizens and transfer income and services to certain categories of individuals who are thought to need them. Thus all modern governments can be characterized as welfare states. Welfare states don't just redistribute money from wealthier individuals to poorer ones, they redistribute resources from the young to the old, the disabled, and the socially challenged. Wealthier governments provide subsidized housing, food, and health care to the poor, as well as providing pensions for the elderly.
Provide Collective (Public) Goods