The government has many functions that affect the lives of citizens and others in different countries. Maintaining law and order is the most important function that a government has. This is because it is a basic right for all American citizens, it affects the lives of those in countries with less human rights for citizens and it keeps our society civilized.

Maintaining law and order’s effectiveness is directly shown in violence and crime rates. Violence and crime rates can stem from 3 main issues: social and economic strain to rapid urbanization, restless search of identity and purpose, hopelessness and dissatisfaction due to lack of education. When we talk about violence it’s not exclusively connected to crime rates. When violence is left unchecked it’s an endangerment to society and when violence is able to be controlled that is a sign of a civilization. However, this doesn’t mean that violence is a sign of being an uncaged animal. Dr. Karl Menninger has stated “we enjoy violence in various forms in our daily lives.. [such as] physical sports, prized fights and violence in entertainment depicted in movies and literature.” It’s in our natural instinct to be violent however, when left unchecked it can lead to anarchy between people. In order to control violence and be a civilized society, there needs to be a group of people who enforce laws, police. This responsibility is the structure that keeps society from descending into madness. President Johnson stated the “no right is more elemental in our society than the right to personal security, that the preservation of law and order is a fundamental function of government.” 

Maintaining law and order isn’t always directed towards citizens of the country but also those outside. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who enforce humanitarian law. Humanitarian law “comprises the rules of which, in times of armed conflict, seek to protect people who are not or no longer taking part in the hostilities, and to restrict the methods and means of warfare employed.” Humanitarian law provides safety and protection to protect people who get involved in “armed conflicts” and involve “international treaty or customary rules which are specifically intended to resolve matters of humanitarian concern.” 

Maintaining law and order is the most important function of a government because it is the pillar of society for its citizens but also protects those caught in the crossfire of people who want to watch the world burn. Security is a basic human right that everyone is entitled to, even if they aren’t a part of our country. Keeps the innocent shielded from the anarchist.

 

The example of the military isn’t necessarily a public good. The aspect of national defense can be but, the everything else that is the military as a whole isn’t a public good. National defence cannot be nonrivalrous as one soldier cannot be in two places at the same time “If the army is fighting floods in Manitoba, it is not providing peacekeeping services in Kabul, or quelling riots in Montreal.” “the connection between spending money on the military and providing defence against external or internal threats is something to be established.” Military is completely up to the government and those involved in the military so it doesn’t have to benefit the people and can only benefit those in power if they please. An example, in the cold war funding went to making bunkers for government officials rather than the safety of the people. 

The example of the education system is a public good however, that stops after 12 grade. The aspect of college is a private good as you do have to pay to attend and it’s not available to everyone. Also, the aspect of private education benefits kids far better than the public version but, that doesn’t necessarily hurt your argument.

Sources: https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/healthcare-public-private-good-both-476440#answer-678436 -- Public Goods - Econlib -- Public Health as a Public Good | SPH (bu.edu) -- Worthwhile Canadian Initiative: Defence may be a public good. Military spending isn't. (typepad.com) -- Chapter07.pdf (berkeley.edu)