The role of government should be limited from "summary" of Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater
The proper function of government, as our Founding Fathers understood it, is to secure the rights of individuals and to protect the liberties guaranteed to us by the Constitution. When government exceeds this limited role, it becomes a threat to those very rights and liberties it was created to preserve. A government that seeks to provide for every need and want of its citizens inevitably becomes tyrannical, as it must exert control over every aspect of our lives in order to fulfill its promises. This expansion of government power not only erodes our freedoms, but it also hinders individual initiative and stifles innovation and progress. By limiting the role of government to its essential functions, we can ensure that power remains in the hands of the people, where it rightly belongs. When government is restrained and limited in scope, individuals are free to pursue their own interests and goals without undue interference or regulation. Moreover, a limited government is more efficient and effective in carrying out its core responsibilities. By focusing on protecting our rights and liberties, rather than trying to micromanage every aspect of society, government can better serve the needs of its citizens and promote the general welfare.- The concept of limited government is not simply a matter of ideology or philosophy, but a practical necessity for preserving our freedoms and ensuring the prosperity and well-being of future generations. It is only by returning to the principles of limited government that we can truly uphold the values of individual liberty and personal responsibility that have made America great.
