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SInce 1970, the ideology of liberalism has prevailed in the society; famous 'Thatcherism' and 'Reaganomics' are good examples, which reflects the influence of this radical ideology. Affected by libertarian movement, many people tend to believe that government do not need to play a role for the public. However, in my opinion, it is not true. This is largely because there are some roles which cannot be replaced by each person or family, and the nation have to use taxes for the people.
To begin with, things like nation defense, public order or welfare cannot be done by individual or family. That is, there are distinct functions which governments only can do. The government legitimately has a power to restrict each person's right to protect the whole society and to provide welfare programs to the public. This critical role is not able to be substituted by a person or family member. As each individual and family members do not have any legitimacy as well as power, there is a need for the government to help people. This is called 'the theory of social contract' supported by Locke, Rousseau, and Hobbs in the beginning of the modern society. According to a study conducted by Yale research team, more than two-thirds of the American believe that the government should offer a variety of social programs, from national security to educational opportunities. They think this is impossible without the help of the government, due to their financial limit and ability boundary. Likewise, I support the idea that the government have to play a pivotal role in solving important social issues.
On top of that, people pay taxes, and these taxes should be used to help the public. Nowadays, many people pay taxes, which amount to almost more than 30% of their annual income. This is because people expect the government to use taxes to improve social welfare. If the government did not play any role to enhance the quality of people's life, most people would not carry financial burden. For example, I generally pay 15% of my wages as income tax. Even though I sometimes think it is too much, I believe paying taxes is necessary because the government can help our society by using taxes. Building a library and bridge, providing educational opportunities, and protecting us from burglary or bribery. These activities require not only huge amount of money, but also great responsibility and capacity. Only the government can do such a role as the representative of the people. This is why the government collect taxes and use them for the society.
There is a famous phrase by the late president Abraham Lincoln, 'of the people, by the people, for the people.' This clearly shows that the government should exist to improve the quality of life for all people. Coping with all problems by depending on sole individual of family is impossible in this complicating and deeply-developing world. In this regard, the government must help people solve the social problems.
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