Explain the following quote “the legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need done, but cannot do at all, or well, for themselves.”
This quote suggests that the main purpose of government is to serve the needs of a community by taking responsibility for tasks that individuals or smaller groups within the community cannot effectively accomplish on their own. The government's role is primarily to fill the gaps and provide services that are necessary but beyond the capabilities of individuals or smaller collectives.
The quote implies that individuals or smaller groups may lack the resources, skills, or capacity to adequately address certain issues or fulfill certain needs. In such cases, the government should step in to ensure that these needs are met. This could include activities such as providing essential services like defense, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, or social welfare programs.
In essence, the quote emphasizes the government's role in supporting and assisting its citizens by addressing communal requirements that may be challenging or impractical for individuals or smaller groups to handle independently.