Proper role of the government?
Pretty broad... I believe government needs to stay out of the personal lives of the people. Government needs to be small. Taxes should be minimal. But ultimately, I believe that the main job of government is to create an environment where people can be successful. Where the only limitations on ones life and success are the limits of ones own enthusiasm, spirit, fortitude, and courage. If these things are done properly, people develop a sense of self-worth. Become productive and prosperous, not dependant and a social burden to society. They are encouraged to help themselves and others. A population will become self-policing by entrusting people with responsibility, boosting social morays and ethical behavior. They will celebrate those who achieve and instruct those who ask for help, not limit success and redistribute wealth.
Is shaping moral character a role that government should play?
Conservatives complain about a "nanny state", so what's up with.... shoving the ten commandments down our throats. refusing to acknowledge the unions of gays. cracking down on states who want to legalize marijuana. attempting to outlaw or restrict abortion rights. preaching abstinence only, and ignoring birth control in health classes. outlawing euthanasia.
How large a role should government play in managing the economy and seeking solutions to social problems?
No role. There is no legitimate place for a legalised extortion racket in the economy. Govts don't solve problems. They purport to do so; but they spend a lot of moronic money pretending to do so. In the process, they sabotage people's future. When they even offer concrete values like public housing or insulation in roofs, what you get is:Fire risk from poor insulation because the companies see a rort. I.e. they link their future to a short lived program, so they think like politicians.Insulation not properly installed so it needs a govt bail outInsulation expensive because people thought they were getting a bargain with s $2000 rebate, but the companies established to rort just pocketed most of the benefitSo public housing “leaky homes” or “subsidence” for public subdivision on poorly compacted soil.Over capitalised infrastructure — no thought to cost recovery.Statutory monopoly — ever seen a stare extort money from rail freighters knowing they own the entire network, and competitors are not permitted
How does government spending impact economic growth?
Edit to the original answer Ashley Lobo's answer to How do government spending effect economy?Government spending is good for the economy if it is spent on creating productive assets. But if the spending creates a huge fiscal deficit it not good for the economy in long run as taxes will have to be raised in future.Let me explain it with an example.A government spends a lot on infrastructure while creating little fiscal deficit. This leads to demand for goods required to produce this infrastructure . So bussiness will expand to cater to this new demand and new jobs will be created . As better infrastructure is being created , it is creating a better business environment to invest and profitability margins are increasing due to improving infrastructure . As jobs are being created in this process , consumer spending increases which further improves the economy .But if the spending creates a huge fiscal deficit or is being spent on non productive resources , taxes will have to be increased in long run which will offset any positive effects of the spending on the economy .Links to answers to similar questionsAshley Lobo's answer to How does business spending effect the economy?
What role did harding and coolidge think the government should play in peoples lives?
Both Harding and Coolidge believed that the government should play as small a role as possible in the lives of Americans and that taxes should be low.
Should the US Government focus on providing well paying jobs for poor families instead of welfare?
The premise of your question is flawed. (or 2 dimensional at best)Welfare, Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment, & Food Stamps areNOT “entitlements for the poor”. They are “Demand Safety Nets” thatpromote & protect private investment in economic growth. (the DOW)Demand Safety Nets provide guaranteed consumers for suppliers whoinvest in the basic requirements for our human (& economic) survival.(Water, Food, Shelter, & Healthcare) NO Supplier in history has everinvested in economic growth… without consumer demand.Suppliers don’t “create jobs”. Economic Activity does. And 70% of allEconomic Activity is Consumer Spending. If you think Employment(or the DOW) will rise by removing Demand Safety Nets from oureconomy’s Commerce Infrastructure, you are in for a huge surprise.Private investment (& private employment) will plummet!(along with your 401K’s)
What role does productivity play in wage determination?
Litttle to none, from what I've been able to tell. In fact, I've noticed that many bosses tend to hate the highest producers, and favor the more laid back workers. You know, the ones that get to it when they get to it, but know how to shine up the boss. Business owners may not always be aware of this. They should try BEING THERE more often. And not choosing managers based on skin color. Many nonwhite managers put race before everything. They think they have the right to 'correct historical wrongs'.