Jonah Patel
People's support for the government is influenced by their beliefs about the role of government in society. Some people support the government when it works hard for all its people, promotes the common good, and addresses their concerns. Others believe that the government should serve the people and protect their rights, liberties, and natural rights. People's evaluations of the government's performance can be mixed, depending on specific issues such as national security, foreign policy, immigration, and social welfare programs. While some may support a more active role for the government in addressing issues, others may prefer a more limited government intervention. Ultimately, the level of support for the government depends on the extent to which it is perceived to be serving the interests and well-being of its citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People who believe the government is working hard for all its people | Support |
| People who believe the government is addressing issues facing lower-income people | Support |
| People who believe the government is addressing issues impacting children | Support |
| People who believe the government is addressing issues affecting people in cities | Support |
| People who believe the government should have a major role in specific issue areas | Support |
| People who believe the government should protect people from themselves | Support |
| People who believe the government should support health and well-being | Support |
| People who believe in a benign government designed and run for all the people | Support |
| People who believe in a democratic government | Support |
| People who believe the government is helpful in the aftermath of disasters | Support |
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What You'll Learn
- People who believe in the common good
- People who believe the government is working hard for all its people
- People who believe the government should have a major role in specific issues
- People who believe the government should protect its citizens from harm
- People who believe the government should support health and well-being
People who believe in the common good
In a democracy, the government is meant to serve the people and is authorized to make decisions that affect the group. The ideas of rights and liberties are important in a democracy, with natural rights being something that all people should have access to simply because they are human. A liberty is a form of freedom that no government should be able to take away. Most democracies are responsible for creating an environment that promotes the common good, and democratic governments tend to respect individual rights and liberties to a greater degree than authoritarian governments.
However, at times, democracies may not respect the rights of minority groups because they are designed to follow the will of the majority. People who believe in the common good would advocate for a government that respects the rights and liberties of all its citizens, including minority groups, and makes decisions that benefit the majority while also protecting the rights of those who may be negatively impacted.
In the context of the United States, the Constitution begins with the phrase "We the People," emphasizing that the government's power lies with the people and exists to allow them to govern themselves. People who support the common good would agree with this principle and believe that the government should address the concerns of its citizens and work for their well-being. For example, providing quality health services, ensuring national security, and managing the economy are all areas where people expect the government to play a substantial role and work towards the common good.
Overall, people who believe in the common good support a government that is designed and run for all its people, promotes the rights and liberties of its citizens, and makes decisions that benefit the majority while protecting the rights of minorities.
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People who believe the government is working hard for all its people
People who believe that the government is working hard for all its people are more likely to support it. This belief is central to the concept of a democratic government, where the government serves the people and is authorised to make decisions for the benefit of society as a whole.
In the United States, the Constitution begins with "We the People", emphasising that the government's power is derived from its citizens and exists to serve them. A government designed and run for all its people promotes the common good and smooths the way towards a happier and more fulfilling life for its citizens.
While opinions vary on the overall size and scope of the government, a majority of Americans believe that the government should play a significant role in several key areas. These include national security, foreign policy, terrorism, immigration, the economy, healthcare, and environmental protection. For instance, 70% of Americans believe the government does a good job of responding to natural disasters, and 68% feel secure due to the government's efforts in countering terrorism.
Furthermore, people who support the government recognise its role in supporting health and well-being. This includes providing accessible and affordable health services, ensuring well-funded and professionally run health programmes, maintaining good infrastructure for easy access to healthcare, and offering financial benefits to those in need.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that public trust in the government's performance varies across different issues. While some people appreciate the government's efforts in specific areas, they may simultaneously criticise its handling of other matters, such as taxes, spending, immigration policies, and social welfare programs.
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People who believe the government should have a major role in specific issues
While Americans have expressed unhappiness with their government, they have also shown continued support for the government to have a substantial role in many areas. A survey by Pew Research Center revealed that clear majorities of Americans (60% or more) believe the government should play a major role in 11 out of 12 issue domains, including terrorism, immigration, the economy, ensuring access to healthcare, and protecting the environment.
The same survey also showed that Americans want the government to do more for specific groups, including middle-income people (69%), lower-income people (66%), and retired people (65%). Democrats and Republicans agree that the government needs to do more for these groups, as well as for rural and suburban residents.
There are some differences between the parties, however. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say that the government should do more for children and parents. Additionally, while 43% of Democrats believe the government should do more for people in cities, only 27% of Republicans agree.
Overall, Americans want the government to take active steps to improve the lives of its citizens, and they recognize that the government performs positive functions, such as responding to natural disasters (70% positive rating) and keeping the country safe from terrorism (68%). They also want the government to protect them from unsafe products, prevent discrimination, and maintain transportation systems.
People are more likely to support a government that works hard for all its people, rather than serving the interests of a select few or a dictator. A government that is trustworthy, fair, and inclusive can gain the support of its citizens and encourage them to actively participate in democratic processes.
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People who believe the government should protect its citizens from harm
While there is a general sense of distrust in the government, a majority of Americans believe that the government should play a major role in specific issue domains, including terrorism, immigration, the economy, healthcare, and the environment.
The Government as a Protector of Rights
The primary purpose of the government is to protect the individual rights of its citizens. This includes the freedom to pursue dreams, express thoughts, associate with others, and engage in economic transactions without undue restraint. When rights come into conflict, the government must step in as an impartial arbiter to protect the party that is more aggrieved or harmed.
Preventing Overreach
While the government has a duty to protect its citizens, it must also be careful not to overreach and infringe upon individual freedoms. This delicate balance between regulatory oversight and individual liberty is essential to preserving societal stability and respecting citizens' rights.
Views on the Government's Role in Protecting Citizens
There are differing views among Americans regarding the government's role in protecting its citizens. Overall, 59% believe that laws are sometimes needed to protect people from themselves, while 39% disagree, stating it is not the government's job. This difference of opinion is also evident between Republicans and Democrats, with a majority of Republicans (61%) against government intervention and a majority of Democrats (77%) in favor of it.
Support for a Government Designed for All
Some people believe that a government designed and run for all its people, rather than for special interest groups or dictators, deserves support. This support is especially important when the government is working hard for the benefit of all its citizens.
Examples of Government Protection
Americans have expressed mixed ratings for the federal government's handling of specific issues. They give high marks for responding to natural disasters (70%) and keeping the country safe from terrorism (68%). However, the government receives lower ratings for managing immigration (24%) and helping people out of poverty (24%).
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People who believe the government should support health and well-being
People who believe that the government should support health and well-being hold this view for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they argue that the government has a responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of its citizens. This includes protecting them from harm, providing essential services, and addressing issues that impact their daily lives. For example, in the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services has the mission to "enhance the health and well-being of all Americans" and provides essential human services to achieve this goal.
Secondly, supporters of this belief often emphasize the importance of equity and social justice. They argue that everyone should have equal access to quality healthcare, regardless of their social or economic status. This includes ensuring that people have the necessary resources to maintain their health, such as access to nutritious food, safe housing, and education. By addressing social determinants of health, such as employment, environmental health, and food insecurity, governments can improve the overall well-being of their citizens.
Additionally, those who support a substantial government role in health and well-being often highlight the importance of prevention and early intervention. They advocate for policies and programs that promote healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and early detection of health issues. This approach can help reduce the burden of disease and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
Furthermore, supporters of government involvement in health and well-being believe that it is crucial for the government to play a role in regulating industries that can impact public health. This includes setting safety standards, enforcing regulations, and holding industries accountable for any actions that may harm the health and well-being of citizens.
Finally, some people may argue that a government that effectively supports the health and well-being of its citizens is more likely to be viewed as legitimate and trusted by the people. This social contract theory suggests that citizens expect their government to provide for their basic needs and protect them from harm, and in return, they give their consent to be governed.
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Frequently asked questions
People who believe in the common good and that the government should serve the people are more likely to support the government. People are also more likely to support the government if they believe it is working hard for all its people and not just a select few.
People may support the government because they believe it is addressing their concerns. For example, 68% of Americans believe the government is keeping the country safe from terrorism.
People may not support the government if they believe it is not addressing their concerns. For example, only about a quarter of Americans believe the government is managing the immigration system and helping people out of poverty effectively.
People can express their support for the government by actively cooperating with it. Conversely, people can express their disapproval of the government by withdrawing their cooperation.
