A quick Google search defines government as systems by which nations are governed. There are many types of governments (democratic, communists, autocratic, theocracy, etc…). These types of government have either failed or prevailed into today’s society. In discussion of governments, a controversial issue is whether governments are necessary(st). On the one hand, governments provide protection, and order. On the other hand, governments limit free thinking and can be hypocritical(st).

Government presence is essential in protecting our individual rights. The government ensures that people with more physical power cannot exploit us. Anyone could decide that they wanted to start enslaving people again. Without a law prohibiting slavery, our individual rights would be in danger. Laws are created to ensure that everyone respects one another’s rights. Laws, in theory, are made to combat the many injustices citizens may face. Without consequences, there is no incentive to restrain from committing heinous crimes. Without government regulation the validity of our rights would be in danger.

Government is necessary to maintain order within society. A government provides a national defense to protect citizens from other countries. Governments provide policing to protect us from other people. A government makes trade deals. This is important because citizens are relieved of a tedious task(st). In addition, citizens will have access to foreign goods. Governments create regulated currencies for the purpose of exchanging for monetary value. A government provides financial aid programs for college students. Affordable healthcare programs alleviate the problems people in poverty face. Therefore, government legislation is crucial to prevent potential chaos.

There is a counter argument that the government does not allow us to think for ourselves. The government tells us what is right and what is wrong. Most humans do not need laws to tell us what is morally right. Most people are not murderers, rapists, and/or kidnappers. People usually have a conscience that reinforces our good and our bad actions. The government forces us to align our beliefs with theirs. The government used to believe that slavery was necessary. Now in present day they decided that slavery was wrong. They have told us that abortion is wrong. Then they changed their minds and deemed abortion is a woman’s right. If we let the government dictate our morals, we will never know what’s truly right.

The government in inherently hypocritical. Americans have always believed that the constitution is the supreme law(st). While this is true, Governments do not necessarily follow that sentiment(st). The constitution says we shouldn’t exploit others. Yet the government constantly exploits us by forcing us to pay taxes. The constitution says that we have the right to private property. Yet the government needs to get involved when you decide to build a pool on your property. The government cares about preserving its power while laws control citizen power. 

All in all, the necessity of government is a controversial issue. Some argue that the government protects its citizens and their liberties(st). Others contend that the government imposes on individual thought and is insincere(st). The necessity of government may seem a concern to only a small group of people. It should in fact concern anyone who cares about human society(st).