If you Google principles of government you will see the seven basic principles of the U. S. Constitution; popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, republicanism and individual rights; the fundamental principles of American government. They undergird, are the foundation for, the successful operation of the principles of government addressed on...

MARRIAGE and FAMILY, EDUCATION, WELFARE, IMMIGRATION – A good democracy must have a critical mass of intelligent, informed and responsible citizens who are interested in the public welfare. Several demographic trends are decreasing the proportion of such citizens in the United States. The average birth rate of less intelligent citizens is higher than that of...

RELIGION, MORALS, MORES AND CUSTOMS –  The moral character, religion, customs and mores of the citizenry are tremendously important factors in determining the quality of government in a democracy. Religious, civic, and political associations are crucial in thwarting the tendency of central government to involve itself in all areas of life.  The society should be...

A successful democracy will have a well-designed government structure and a sound political system for the election of its leaders and legislators.  A – The US Government structure, with a president, two houses of Congress, and a Supreme Court, with carefully balanced powers between them; with the further checks on centralized power by our system...

An effective defense and foreign policy and the ability to keep internal order without infringing on individual freedoms are prerequisites for any successful government.  World order and stability is dependent on US defense and alliance strategies and its ability to maintain open sea lanes, use of space, etc. Nothing is more important than the US...

BUDGET AND TAX POLICIES A – Budgeting and expenditures must be carried out on a sound long term basis for government to be successful in the long run. Short of war or inability to keep internal order the surest way for a democracy to get in trouble is to overspend and particularly to overspend in...

Entitlements, welfare, tax policy and education can all have enormous effects on the quality of life and the strength of an economy. Getting incentives right in these areas is one of government’s most important roles.  Government should aim for social policies that assist people in facing unusual adversity and act as stabilizers in times of...

Reasonably free markets with transparent financial information, where government regulation is sensibly designed and impartially administered (without political favoritism), are necessary for a country to achieve its economic potential and compete successfully in the world economy. Ill advised, excessive and overly complex regulation can cripple an economy as easily as corruption and can also foster...

Maintaining a stable value of money is one of government’s most important roles. The dual mandate of the Federal Reserve is probably a mistake, as the goals of maintaining full employment and a stable currency are often in conflict.  Inflation is similar to taxes in that it distorts economic decision making and thus is a...

Good government requires a sound and fair legal system that protects private property rights and individual freedoms, that treats people equally and in so doing counterbalances political power, that operates along clear guidelines and is understandable and predictable; and that has an effective and fair criminal justice system.   It is extremely important in the application...

We are wholly dependent on the natural environment. Designing policies to protect it and regulate activities that impact it is one of government’s most difficult and important tasks.  It is difficult because the science required to understand how various human activities affect the environment is so complex, because the interpretation of the science is subject...