Political Philosophy and the Role of Government Explained

Introduction

The role and function of government has, over the centuries, been at the centre of debate and even conflict among various political theorists and activists. The question of what the "job" of government should be hinges to a great extent on the underlying philosophical trajectory that determines the shape, form, and function of government — including the extent of its powers and control, and how it is expected to act in certain circumstances.

The central question of the job or function of government is thus predicated on a range of prior questions relating to the way in which the nature and function of government is perceived. For example, the ideal of government in an elitist and aristocratic model will differ considerably from a more democratic model, just as a Marxist view of government will differ from the model put forward by a thinker like Locke. The central point — explored throughout this paper — is that different philosophical views of government determine its role and function.

In very general terms, the function of government is based on priorities, such as ensuring that the country functions smoothly and that its citizens are protected from danger. Among the other common functions of modern government frequently cited are the following:

The Job of Government

However, government is also representative of a certain way of thinking about society and politics. In this sense, the function of government forms an integral part of a political and philosophical worldview of a people or a country. The shape and nature of a government depends to a great extent on the underlying philosophy and political system of thought. Therefore, in order to answer what the job or function of government is, certain political philosophies must be explored. As Woodrow Wilson writes:

"What are the Functions of Government? — the question has its own difficulties and complexities… we must ask in return, of what government? Different states have different conceptions of their duty, and so undertake different things. They have had their own peculiar origins, their own characteristic histories." (Wilson)

In a democracy, the ideal form of government is one that is representative of the people. The people choose the government through an electoral system that is, at least theoretically, representative of all citizens. In this political system, government is seen as the "servant" of the people. This system has its own problems, as Karl Marx and others have pointed out — for example, checks and balances are required to ensure that those in government do not exceed their mandate. Marx was of the opinion that government is by its very nature elitist and therefore suspect.

If we delve even tentatively into the history of different forms and ideas of government, however, we begin to understand some of the reasons for the often radical differences in conceptions of what the role and functions of government should be. A good example is the idealistic early Greek model proposed by Plato.

Different Views of Government and Their Function

In order to understand the Platonic ideal of government, several factors must be taken into account — including the difference between ancient and aristocratic forms of government in comparison to more modern constitutional types. As one commentator notes, in understanding the evolution of ideas about government we should consider the ancient state, "…when the State … knew nothing of individual rights as contrasted with the rights of the state." (Wilson) An essential difference between modern and ancient views, then, is that the more traditional view held the individual to be subordinate to the government. It is this conflict between the power of the state and the rights of the private individual that has caused much dissension in the world and has arguably led to the development of different models of government reflecting different degrees of that tension.

The more controlling system of government is advocated in Plato's philosophy of the Ideal Republic. "The ideal Republic of which Plato dreams is to prescribe the whole life of its citizens." (Wilson) However, Plato's view of the state was not essentially autocratic; it has been described as a form of meritocracy, in which every individual would have his or her place according to their merits, as prescribed by a wise elite.

In contrast, Karl Marx in a more contemporary context was radically opposed to any elitist form of government or ruling class. He saw government as essentially suspect and as an obstacle to the revolutionary changes required to attain the historical rights of the masses.

One can compare this Marxist view to that of thinkers like John Locke in order to understand how political philosophy shapes government. Locke held that "a government was only functional if it had the will of the people behind it and a social contract between people and state was formed." (Comparison of Marx and Locke: Views on Government, Property and Labor) According to Locke, government was also supposed to protect and ensure various natural rights, such as life, liberty, and the right to own property. In other words, "Locke was asserting that government had to be fair and equitable in order to be sustainable." (Comparison of Marx and Locke: Views on Government, Property and Labor)

While there are similarities between these views and those of Karl Marx — such as the shared concern for liberty — there are also major differences in terms of political philosophy. Central among these is the issue of private property, which is contrary to the Marxist vision. Marx was also opposed to the idea of government as it existed in relation to class. He saw inherent problems in a government structured around an upper class or ruling elite, and advocated instead for a government that was genuinely of the people — one not founded on the principles of class inequity that he saw as inspiring revolution. (Comparison of Marx and Locke: Views on Government, Property and Labor)

The following is a brief overview of the different types of governance based on Plato's views.

Aristocracy. This is the form of government Plato envisaged, in which governance is carried out by a philosopher-king. The positive aspect of this philosophy is that governance takes place on the basis of reason, rationality, and the wisdom of the ruler. This view is obviously susceptible to corruption by the power-hungry.

Timocracy. A timocracy occurs when an aristocratic form of government becomes corrupt and those who rule lack the wisdom to govern properly. Power tends to be the central focus of this form of government, supported by the military.

Conclusion

On the other hand, as Plato suggests, democracy can also lead to an overemphasis on individual freedom, which may in turn produce anarchy and a loss of control. The ideal of an elite form of government rests on the philosophical view that some are more capable than others of governing — a view directly contrary to the democratic philosophy that all people are born equal.

In the final analysis, the question of the role and functioning of government depends on the underlying philosophy or political stance that informs a particular society or culture. It depends on factors such as the value ascribed to individuality and the continuing debate about whether society should be considered a homogeneous collective or a group of sovereign individuals.