Americans' views on the purpose of government

Mariama Diallo

Americans have divided opinions when asked to think broadly about the purpose of government. About as many Americans (35%) prefer an activist government that tries in every way to improve the lives of its citizens as prefer a government that provides only the most basic government functions (37%), with the rest placing themselves between these two positions. These attitudes, basically unchanged from a year ago, underscore the complex nature of Americans' views of government.

The passage underlines the basic contradictions and diverse views of a democratic society. The competing views between small and big government have been an important factor in all elections in America. In America these different views are displayed along party lines where democrats are considered as favoring big government which has a great focuses on social issues, wealth distribution. On the other hand, Republicans are considered as those for small government that tends toward less taxes, regulations and mostly conservative on social issues. In between we have the Independents and Libertarians that constitute the middle. It is these differences of ideas that makes the American democracy and example for the entire world. Although it contributed to what makes America great, but it has also been a source of great dysfunction in congress due the fact of no clear majority.

I chose this passage because it reflect the actual reality in our society. At this moment in the history of America, all the issues like Health Care, Social Security, Education, Religion, etc… are all seen along the line of big, small, liberal or conservatism views. Also, the same views are now in display with the upcoming presidential elections.  Lately, these differences of ideas has been a source of major obstacles in our congress where our elected leaders are unable to be as productive as they should be.