[baddox]

> Google "collective action problem" and "free rider problem."

You mean, like expecting everyone to research politicians and political issues and vote responsibly?

A government (or, at least a democratic/republican government) is also a public good, and is at least as susceptible to those problems as government roles like welfare and public defense.

[dllthomas]

It's true and important that these problems apply to democratic decision making. It is not given (without evidence and/or argument) that it is "at least as susceptible". In general, I'd think it less susceptible, because poor decisions from my lack-of-involvement are more likely to disadvantage me than to disadvantage any other specific individual; this is not the case when neglecting to contribute fungible resources toward welfare or defense.

Even so, voted up for introducing an important point to the discussion.

[thisosound]

Not donating $10 to your local homeless shelter meaning that 2 people won't get food is worse than a government policy affecting millions?

e.g. war on drugs, wars, abortion, gay marriage, etc.

[dllthomas]

No, nothing said implies that. Immediately, I see the following problems:

1) You're looking at amount of damage, not susceptibility.

2) You're assuming problems of government couldn't be for reasons other than those being discussed.

3) You're looking at the margin in one case, and the total effect in the other.