Answers to the Question: Why We Need Government

Professor Russ Roberts posts the following at Cafe Hayek:

The U.S. Government Printing Office has a web site to help kids understand our country. There are different sections for different age groups and grades in school. For K-2, here is how the site explains the role of government (HT: Gregory Adams):

Why do we need a government? Imagine what your school would be like if no one was in charge. Each class would make its own rules. Who gets to use the gym if two classes want to use it at the same time? Who would clean the classrooms? Who decides if you learn about Mars or play kickball? Sounds confusing, right?

This is why schools have people who are in charge, such as the principal, administrators, teachers, and staff. Our nation has people who are in charge and they make up the government.

Hmmm. Not quite what I’d say. Feel free to take a shot at a better explanation in the comments. Remember, this is for kids who are between the ages of five and seven years old.

You can follow the link to Cafe Hayek to see some very good answers.  I will post the best one or two responses after a few days.  I hope Professor Roberts doesn't mind.

EDIT: And the winner is . . .

From JS: You know the bossy little girl in your class? That's right, she's the one who gets angry and throws a fit when you play tag instead of hide-and-seek at recess. You know, the one who haughtily tells you that Big Bird is most certainly NOT green when you choose your favorite crayon during coloring time. And at lunch time, she probably told you that you shouldn't eat a grape jelly sandwich, because strawberry is so much better.

In the grown-up world, children with different abilities get different jobs. A strong, brave boy might grow up to be a fire fighter. A girl who loves to read might grow up to write books herself. And the little, bossy girl will grow up to work for the government. The purpose of government is so that when she grows up, she can get her way all the time.

George Ought to Help

While you might think George "ought" to help his friend, is it moral to force him to help?

Happy Bill of Rights Day

On December 15, 1791, the U.S. Constitution was amended to include the Bill of Rights.  George Mason, a delegate from Virginia, had refused to vote for the Constitution at the Philadelphia convention because it did not include a bill of rights.  Afterwards, he and his fellow Anti-Federalists fought against ratification of the Constitution unless a bill of rights was added.   Fearing ratification was going to fail, the Federalists agreed to add a bill of rights once the new government was established.

While the Bill of Rights has not always been able to stop the government from abusing the rights of Americans, it has served at times as a break to slow down the abuses.  So for that, thank you Mr. Mason.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

The Philosophy of Liberty: Property

This is a very well done video by The Foundation for a Free Society on the philosophical arguments for property rights.

Great New Site for Historical Documents - The Patriot Post

The Patriot Post has done a yoeman's job in putting together a comprehensive list of historical documents that any student of liberty should have bookmarked.    

Here is a list of the Founding Documents:

• The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
• The Articles of Confederation (November 15, 1777)
• The New Jersey Plan (June 15, 1787)
• Hamilton’s Plan of Union (June 18, 1787)
• Letter Of Transmittal (September 17, 1787)
• The Constitution of the United States of America (September 17, 1787)
• The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)
• The First Ten Amendments as Ratified (1789)
• Bill of Rights Preamble (1789)
• Madison's Proposal for the Bill of Rights (June 8, 1789)
• The Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791)
• Amendments 11-27 to the Constitution of the United States (February 7, 1795)

But there is much more than that.  Check it out.

Small Government and Free Enterprise Video: Best 10 Minute Explanation Ever

Camp Politics Video

This amusing video from The Institute for Justice on a camp to train future politicians.