Introduction
The concept of 'government' refers to the institutions, processes, and people through which a state or community is managed. It is the system by which authority is exercised and public policy is created and enforced (Heywood, 2019). While this definition explains what government is, the question of what government should do—its fundamental purpose—has been a central and enduring debate in political philosophy. There is no single answer; instead, various theories offer different perspectives on why governments exist and what their primary functions ought to be. This essay will explore some of the key philosophical perspectives on the meaning and purpose of government, examining the foundational arguments for maintaining order, protecting individual rights, and providing public services.
The Provision of Order and Security
One of the most foundational arguments for the purpose of government is that it exists to provide order and prevent chaos. The most famous proponent of this view is the 17th-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes. In his work Leviathan, Hobbes (1651) imagined a 'state of nature'—a hypothetical condition before the existence of government. He argued that in this state, human beings, driven by self-interest and a desire for power, would exist in a condition of "war of every man against every man." Life, in this scenario, would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" (Hobbes, 1651).
For Hobbes, the primary escape from this intolerable condition was the creation of a powerful, sovereign government, which he called the 'Leviathan'. Individuals would agree to a 'social contract' where they surrender some of their individual freedoms to this absolute authority. In exchange, the sovereign provides security, imposes laws, and prevents society from descending into anarchy. From this perspective, the principal and most vital purpose of government is the establishment and maintenance of order, without which no other aspect of civilised life, such as commerce, art, or industry, is possible.
The Protection of Natural Rights
Building on the idea of a social contract, John Locke offered a different and more optimistic view of government's purpose. In his Two Treatises of Government, Locke (1689) also conceived of a state of nature, but he argued that it was governed by a natural law that endowed individuals with inherent rights. These 'natural rights' included the right to "life, liberty, and property." Unlike Hobbes, Locke did not see the state of nature as a constant war, but he recognised that without a common authority, individuals' rights would be insecure, as disputes would have no impartial judge.
Therefore, for Locke, the purpose of government is not to impose order by suppressing individual freedom, but to act as a neutral arbiter to protect the natural rights that people already possess. Citizens consent to be governed on the condition that the government will secure their life, liberty, and property more effectively than they could on their own. This introduces the crucial concept of limited government; if a government violates the social contract and infringes upon these natural rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. Here, the purpose of government shifts from simply maintaining order to preserving individual liberty.
The Modern State and Public Welfare
While the ideas of Hobbes and Locke provide a foundational understanding, the purpose of modern governments has expanded significantly beyond just order and rights. Contemporary states are expected to perform a wide range of functions aimed at promoting the general welfare of their citizens. As argued by political scientists such as Andrew Heywood (2019), the 20th century saw the rise of the 'welfare state', in which government took on responsibility for providing public services like education, healthcare, social security, and infrastructure.
This expansion reflects a different understanding of government's purpose, one focused on promoting social justice, equality of opportunity, and economic stability. Ideologies like social democracy advocate for a large and active state that intervenes in the economy and society to correct market failures and reduce inequality. This contrasts with more libertarian views, which advocate for a minimal 'night-watchman state' whose purpose is limited to Locke's framework of protecting rights and enforcing contracts. The debate over the size and scope of government today is essentially a continuation of the debate about its fundamental purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meaning and purpose of government are not fixed but are the subject of ongoing philosophical and political debate. The theoretical journey from Hobbes to Locke demonstrates a fundamental shift in thinking: from government as a necessary evil to create order, to government as a vehicle for protecting individual liberty. In the modern era, this purpose has often been expanded further to include the active promotion of public welfare and social equality. Ultimately, whether the primary purpose of government is seen as providing security, safeguarding rights, or ensuring well-being depends on the underlying political values and beliefs one holds about the relationship between the individual and the state.
References
Heywood, A. (2019) Politics. 5th edn. Red Globe Press.
Hobbes, T. (1651) Leviathan, or The Matter, Forme, and Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civill. Andrew Crooke.
Locke, J. (1689) Two Treatises of Government. Awnsham Churchill.
