On Governing Least and Governing Best

I seem to have been dragged into the whole realm of the melee that is politics, since I anticipate voting for the first time in the 2016 election. 

AAH! So much to learn and so little time!! 

*screams in frustration* 

Along those lines, though, in Western Civ this past semester, we studied - and evaluated - the belief that "the government that governs least, governs best", and, for the midterm, were obliged to write a short essay either arguing for or against the aforementioned statement. 

See the thing is...

According to the Bible, the government is given a great responsibility, not only to govern, but to govern well. According to the Bible, and Romans 13 in particular, the government is called to defend its citizens and maintain justice but at the same time, promote freedom and liberty for all. 

A government is charged with many duties in Scripture. Particularly, defending it's citizens from outside attacks, keeping the peace within its own borders, taking charge of complex social issues, and protecting basic rights and upholding just laws as found in Scripture.

However, "the government that governs least, governs best", while an admirable concept, fails to adequately account for the sin nature found in every human. 

The problem with blanket statements like the one above, is that, while in certain aspects - lassiez faire, and free market economics, for instance - they seem to be the best policy, they do not work in all circumstances. 

For instance, it is the duty of governments to uphold just laws, and punish wrongdoers, for they are not to "bear the sword in vain" (Rom. 13). A government that fails to govern in the area of law, and punish evildoers, in the interest of governing least, is failing to govern well and Biblically. 

With that said, however, I would generally agree with the principle that "the government that governs least, governs best", if only to avoid a dictatorial government, which oppresses the people, and the Bible clearly argues against, since God desires slavery for none, but freedom for all 

A limited government results in greater personal freedom, and, as the Declaration of Independence sums it up, a greater ability to pursue "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", which is why, according to the Bible, governments are instituted on the earth. 

They are duty bound to protect the inalienable rights of their citizens - the aforementioned life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - and therefore must not be too domineering, for that will defeat the purpose of freedom, and return liberated countries to the clutches of mercenary dictatorships, immoral monarchies, and careless demagogues.