Single Idea 23157

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

Government has a negative function, to prevent private violence, to protect life and property, to enact criminal law and secure its enforcement. It also has a positive purpose, to facilitate the realisation of desires common to most of the citizens.

Gist of Idea

Government has a negative purpose, to prevent trouble, and a positive aim of realising our desires

Source

Bertrand Russell (Authority and the Individual [1949], 2)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Authority and the Individual' [Unwin 1977], p.31


A Reaction

[compressed] Interesting because the second purpose is rarely cited. Governments improve communications, facilitate trade, and encourage health and education services, which we all want.