Question

Lesson One Discussion Question:

People differ on the need for and role of the government. Government is the legitimate use of force to control behavior. It is legitimate in that citizens have surrendered some rights willingly to government in exchange for the services provided by the government. The Preamble to the Constitution indicates the willingness of citizens to surrender to the government for the sake of common good (to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility and secure the blessing of liberty).

Based on your understanding of the role of government from the assigned readings, what is the appropriate balance between government and freedom in the American democracy? Do you think government should be more active, providing assistance to achieve a common good for all citizens; or, should government be more limited, involved only to the extent that it protects individual rights and liberties?" Explain your answer.

Your initial discussion postings (250-300 words) should demonstrate an understanding and analysis of the assigned readings and video. It may be helpful to reference the assigned material in your response demonstrating connections between your thoughts and the course resources. In addition, you will also need to post two substantial responses (about 150-200 words) to at least two of your classmates' posts.

Answer 1

SOLUTION:-

* In the American democracy there is a balance between the government and freedom. Freedom without law and responsibility of the government amounts to anarchy. Freedom may be a liberal concept like freedom of speech which allows an individual to say whatever he wnts even if it hurts others.

* In that sense it is selfish as it takes only into consideration individual good without caring to greater good of the people. But freedom is not free or unconditional and the rule of law of the goernment sets limit to the freedom of the citizens in democracy. The government is obligated as well as responsible for the enforcement of th rule of law.

* The government try to protect and balance the rights of individuals with common good for all citizens. The government protects individual rights and liberties and cannot take away the rights mentioned in the Bill of rights and any action that infringe liberties is considered illegal.However the government sees to it that the individuals cannot use their rights in a way that harms common good.

* As an example, the the individuals cannot create panic in a crowded place by shouting 'fire'. If on using the individual rights,common people are harmed, the government and the court can use their power to stop individuals from harming the public. Freedom of rights has limits as we see that a person cannot drive in 100 kms speed in a school zone as the greater good of providing safety to the public exist. The government has duty to enforce the rule of law to protect the common good.

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