This section tries to clarify the following
questions regarding the role of government:
-
What regulation is needed by society?
-
What laws can be passed by government without
infringing the Constitution?
-
What is the relation between religion and the
state?
The role of government can thus be analyzed:
-
With respect to individual rights
-
With respect to Constitutional
aspects, and
-
With
respect to religion
Modern society has evolved and has become more
complex. Certain government functions are almost universally
accepted as required for the modern world, such as:
-
planning "public works", such as planning for
highways, sewage and public transportation, or
-
setting
standards for industry (e.g.: communication standards),
education (e.g.: province-wide testing), food safety (e.g.:
labeling requirements), work safety and water/air
safety (e.g.: environmental pollution).
However, from the above analysis, it is clear
that government should avoid centralization of power, but should
use its power only to guarantee justice and safety.
The
Catholic concept of subsidiarity1,2, opposing all
forms of collectivism, to a large degree, matches with this
view.
"In
accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, neither the state
nor any larger society should substitute itself for the
initiative and responsibility of individuals and intermediary
bodies."3
-
- -
REFERENCES:
[1]
"Catechism
of the Catholic Church" - Par. 1883 and 1885.
[2] Pius
XI, "Quadragesimo
anno", 80
[3]
"Catechism
of the Catholic Church" - Par. 1894.
