Limited government maximizes individual freedom from "summary" of Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman
The fundamental principle that underlies the concept of limited government is that government power is inherently coercive. The power of government is ultimately the power to compel, to enforce conformity to a collective will. The more extensive the government power, the more limited the freedom of the individual. In a society where government power is limited, individuals are free to pursue their own ends, to make their own choices, to bear their own responsibilities. The role of government in such a society is strictly limited to the protection of individual freedom, to the enforcement of contracts, to the administration of justice. The maximization of individual freedom requires not only the limitation of government power but also the preservation of a sphere of voluntary exchange and interaction. In a free society, individuals are free to associate with one another, to cooperate, to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges. This voluntary cooperation is the foundation of a free society. When government power is limited, individuals are free to engage in these voluntary exchanges without interference or coercion. The principle of limited government is closely related to the concept of the rule of law. In a society governed by the rule of law, government power is constrained by legal rules that apply equally to all individuals. The rule of law ensures that government power is exercised in a predictable and consistent manner, that individuals are protected from arbitrary and capricious government action. The rule of law is essential to the preservation of individual freedom, to the protection of individuals from the abuse of government power. The principle of limited government is not an abstract or theoretical concept. It is a practical and concrete principle that has profound implications for the organization of society. Limited government requires a clear and definite delineation of the powers of government, a strict limitation on the scope of government action. It requires a system of checks and balances that prevents the concentration of power in any one branch of government. It requires a recognition of the fundamental rights of individuals, of the limits of government power.- The concept of limited government is essential to the maximization of individual freedom. When government power is limited, individuals are free to pursue their own ends, to engage in voluntary cooperation, to live their lives in accordance with their own values and preferences. Limited government is not a guarantee of individual freedom, but it is a necessary condition for the preservation of individual freedom. The principle of limited government is a fundamental principle of a free society, a principle that must be upheld and defended if individuals are to live as free and responsible citizens.
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