Reference no: EM133679080

Time and again, surveys demonstrate how the American desire for liberty often conflicts with demands for good governance. More specifically, they show that Americans like specific government actions, but not the abstract notion of government intrusion into their lives. When asked if, in general, they feel government should play a greater or lesser role in society, most Americans usually express the view that government should "stay out of" their lives, the economy, and so on.

However, when asked more specific questions regarding whether the government should help the homeless, provide assistance to the elderly, protect patients' rights, and so on, most Americans seem to want greater governmental involvement. Is this paradox a contradiction in American political thought? How might an understanding of this phenomenon affect the strategies of politicians who want more government, and of those who want less? Use easy terminology. And define what paradox is.