The Dangers of Big Government

In recent years, the debate over the size and role of government in American society has become increasingly contentious. The perspective often heard in Right-leaning circles, argues that big government is a major threat to American values being the consensus widely adopted. The conservative viewpoint of emphasizing an expansive government threatens individual liberty, economic prosperity, and overall societal well-being as history repeatedly demonstrates the dangers and downfalls of big government.

One of the key arguments against big government is that it stifles individual liberty and personal responsibility. Proponents of right-leaning perspectives believe that an overreaching government infringes upon people's rights to make their own choices and live their lives according to their own beliefs and values. We argue that a large and powerful government can dictate how individuals should behave, what they should think, and even what they should say. This undermines the fundamental principle of freedom that has long been cherished in American society.

America has tasted the effects when the government grows too large and intrusive under the Biden administration. The results tended to stifle entrepreneurship, creativity, and competition. Excessive regulation, high taxes, and bloated bureaucracies deterred businesses from investing, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. As a result, the economy became sluggish, stagnant, and less dynamic, harming the overall well-being of society.

Another concern raised by the conservative populous is that big government can lead to excessive dependence on the state. When the government provides an array of services and benefits to its citizens, it can create a culture of entitlement and dependency. This can erode the work ethic, initiative, and self-reliance that have traditionally been valued in American society. Instead of fostering a sense of personal responsibility and accountability, big government can breed a mentality of entitlement and reliance on the state for solutions to all problems.

Frequently when big government is implemented corruption, inefficiency, and waste run rampant as accountability becomes a footnote. When any government becomes too large and unwieldy, it can become prone to abuse of power, cronyism, and mismanagement. Bureaucracies may become bloated and inefficient, with resources being squandered on unnecessary programs, redundant agencies, and costly projects. This can undermine public trust in government institutions and lead to disillusionment with the political system. Many citizens across the West feel disenfranchised by their government as the trend of government expansion has risen over the last two decades coinciding with the loss of confidence in government.

In conclusion, the reality of big government poses the most exponential threat to American values because it undermines individual liberty, economic prosperity, personal responsibility, and societal well-being. The warnings from leaders before us will echo long into the future as President Ronald Reagan once said "I hope we once again have reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts." While the government plays a vital role in providing essential services and ensuring the common good, it must be limited in scope and power. Preventative measures surrounding the issue of big government must be implemented to safeguard and defend the fundamental principles of freedom, that make America the leading nation in the free world.