THE DOUBLE TASK OF GOVERNMENT
Government serves two main purposes in a free society: enforcing laws and protecting against external threats, as well as providing services that the market can't supply effectively. In more developed societies, it is important for the government to collect taxes to fund these necessary services, especially when benefits can't be limited only to those who pay for them. However, the power that government has to enforce laws should not be the same when it comes to delivering services. It is important to keep these functions separate to avoid confusing a government's legal authority with its role in providing services. While the government may need to use its power to gather funds for services, this does not mean it should use that power in the way it provides these services. Instead, services should be seen as practical needs rather than an extension of government authority. This distinction helps maintain respect for the law and prevents people from overvaluing the government's role in everyday life.
Government serves two main purposes in a free society: enforcing laws and protecting against external threats, as well as providing services that the market can't supply effectively. In more developed societies, it is important for the government to collect taxes to fund these necessary services, especially when benefits can't be limited only to those who pay for them. However, the power that government has to enforce laws should not be the same when it comes to delivering services. It is important to keep these functions separate to avoid confusing a government's legal authority with its role in providing services. While the government may need to use its power to gather funds for services, this does not mean it should use that power in the way it provides these services. Instead, services should be seen as practical needs rather than an extension of government authority. This distinction helps maintain respect for the law and prevents people from overvaluing the government's role in everyday life.