Why Government Is a Pillar of Civilization
My Background on the Subject
A
couple of years ago I graduated in Civics and Ethical Studies with B.A.
However, except teaching in school for one year, I haven’t done anything
related to on social science subjects especially in civics and Ethical Studies
because it turned out that I do other jobs for living. So I feel some knowledge
I have related to government, society, institutions, and the likes is wasted
even though doing other jobs where my passion lies such as translation is
working for my good. And when I began blogging lately, I said, now is the time
that I share some of the insights I have to others who may need it. Having said
that, let us us come back to the subject we’ve began exploring.
The Role of Government in Civilization
Government is necessary for maintaining order at least as far as
human beings are on earth. It has many roles, of course, and its primary roles
include:
1. Maintaining Order: Governments enforce laws to prevent chaos and
ensure safety and security within communities.
2. Providing Services: Governments are responsible to provide services
such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, national defense, and the likes
that individuals alone cannot efficiently manage.
3. Ensuring Justice: As judicial systems are one main branch in most
modern government structure, governments resolve disputes and uphold fairness
and accountability.
4. Fostering Economic Stability: Governments encourage economic growth
and prevent crises by regulating markets, managing resources, and creating
policies. Most efficient and democratic governments do this in a moderate and
careful way because they know that they are servants of their people not their
people are their servants.
5. Protecting Rights: Best governments that are tested and proven in
history are known in their roles in safeguarding the freedoms and rights of its
citizens, ensuring equality and dignity for all.
A Brief Historical Perspective
The concept of government evolved over few thousands of years. Ancient societies often relied on the informal leadership structures while civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, and Axum established centralized systems under kings or pharaohs. Through time, governments divided into various forms such as monarchies, republics, and democracies. Each of these system reflects the values, aspirations, and challenges of its time.
For example:
- Ancient Athens introduced the concept of democracy.
- The Roman Empire demonstrated the effectiveness of a structured
legal system and administrative organization.
- The Magna Carta of 1215 symbolized
the first step that was made toward limiting the powers of rulers and affirming
the rights of citizens.
Modern-Day Challenges
Despite its important role,
government as a cornerstone of civilization faces many challenges in the world
in our time:
1. Corruption: Because there is a misuse of power many now lost their
trust in government institutions, which undermines the legitimacy government.
2. Globalization: Governments need to have insights of complex
international relationships I mean about who they are and how they are
functioning. And seizing their proper role in globalization without
compromising their national interest and citizen’s demand is necessary.
3. Technological Disruption: Digital advancements created both
opportunities and vulnerabilities on governance. Cyber-security threats and misinformation
can be mentioned as examples.
4. Polarization: Political divisions within societies challenge
governments’ ability to represent diverse perspectives and maintain unity but
most importantly it erodes national unity. So where there is polarization it’s
difficult to keep the unity as a country. It’s sad to see that polarization has
been increasing in many countries of the world now a days.
5. Ethnic Conflicts: Though, it’s inevitable that a leader/government
may come from one ethnic or tribe it’s mostly seen there is, at least,
neglecting other ethnicities or tribes, and the consequence of this has been
proven time and time again that people lost trust in their government and they
don’t proudly say our government or it represents us.
The
Path Forward
For governments to remain a reliable
cornerstone of civilization, they must listen their people, carefully take
their place in Globalization while not neglecting their national interest and
the interests of their people, and adhere to the principles of accountability,
transparency, and inclusivity. Above all, I believe governments should be
protectors and servants of their people not bosses or dictators of their
people. After all governments are not creators of their people. Jesus
Christ/God almighty is.
Moreover, a strong government is not solely the result of effective leadership; it is also shaped by active and informed citizens who hold their leaders accountable and participate constructively in civic life. The health of any government reflects the collective will and actions of its people.
Conclusion
Government, as one of the seven pillars of civilization, is essential to the stability, progress, and survival of human society. Where there is government, there is structure — and where there is no government, there is anarchy. And trust me, anarchy is one of the worst conditions a society can face.
By understanding the role, history, and current challenges of government, we can better appreciate its value and work toward building systems that fear God, uphold moral values, and serve humanity with justice and integrity.
As this series continues, I will explore the remaining foundational pillars that, together, sustain our shared human experience.
What are your thoughts on the role of government in today’s world? Share your insights in the comments below — and stay tuned for the next post in this series.
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