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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 Ref
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.