Good Government

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. - Federalist Paper 51

This excerpt from the Federalist Papers is an example of the struggle to find balance between living in anarchy and dictatorial rule.  I also think of the discussion between Padmé and Anakin in Episode II of Star Wars in which they argue about the inefficiency of a republic. She explains that different people have different ideas about what is best for the people. He comes to the conclusion that they should be forced to come up with good solutions and he should be the one to do that. Then of course he laughs. A dictatorship is very efficient and could be very good for the people if the dictator is the wisest person ever along with having no self-ambition. The problem is is that no human lacks ambition and none are wise enough for all situations. Of course, democracies can trample a person's rights just as easy a dictatorship. Just look at America pre-abolish movement and in Jim Crow South and in many northern cities via social convention during the same time period. 

What is good government? That is a question many people ask in many different circles. Is it a government that takes care of the needs of all it's citizens? Is it one that does nothing for any of it's citizens? Does a good government teach it's citizens morals and ethics? Does a good government allow it's citizens to do whatever they please?  

A good government creates laws that protects the rights of it's citizens and encourages free trade within and outside of it's borders.  A good government is made up of citizens that have the values and ethics to know how to treat their fellow man. A good government values that free markets and free peoples create not only prosperity but also create a culture of respect and true tolerance. 

How is this government created? First and foremost, it begins with the individual. The individual must decide they will follow their conscience.  They will not tolerate hate, greed, bigotry, fear and intolerance.  The individual will speak their mind.  They may not always agree with someone but they will listen to them.  They will not demonize other opinions even if that opinion speaks out against the way they live.  The individual will be responsible for their own life. They will not blame others for what they lack in life but will also do everything they can to bring their fellow man up by giving to them as much as possible. The other vital part of good government is distribution of power. That is between the different branches of government, the different levels of government and between the people and the government. Each branch must fulfill it's role and keep the other branches in check. The different levels of government must fulfill their responsibilities in order to be as efficient as possible for the people they serve. The people and government must share power in order to protect the rights of all people.

Good government is not simple. The nature of people is to gravitate toward centralized power.  People want everyone to be and think like them.  Good government is not creating a socialist utopia or a libertarian paradise.  It is about creating laws that protect the rights of every individual and fostering a safe society in which the individual can flourish.