FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT

Requirement #6: What are five important functions of your national government? Explain how these functions affect your family and local community.
After the Revolutionary War, the commanding officer, George Washington, relinquished his power encouraged the drafting of a new Constitution. This was one of the first instances of a leader stepping down so that the people could decide their own future and destinies.
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution lists five functions of government:
1. To establish justice - The government's responsiblity is to protect those who do obey the law and punish those who do not.
2. To insure domestic tranquility - In order that all may lead a tranquil and quiet life, according to their own conscience, in a godlike and dignified manner.
3. To provide for the common defense - All life is held as sacred, with the protection of innocent life at the base of capital punishment. The government is to provided an army for protection from external threats.
4. To promote the general welfare - Civil rulers are servants for the general good. All classes of citizens are to be represented equally by any laws the government may pass. The government may not provide or aid special interest groups above others. It is to promote, not provide, for the people.
5. To secure the blessings of liberty - As stated in the Declaration of Independence, blessings are endowed upon men by their creator, not a privilege granted by government. These blessings include life, liberty, and property. Government cannot provide these, only secure them.
Many believe that the creation of the Constitution of the United States was inspired by the God of our forefathers. Although not perfect, the U.S. Constitution has lasted for over 200 years and has been the blue print for liberty in many nations around the globe.