Why does government exist?

Governments exist for many reasons, but most importantly they exist to provide a sense of order in the land. All governments tax, penalize, restrict, and regulate their people. A democracy exists to give voice to the people and to protect their basic human rights. In contrast, a totalitarian government exists to benefit the state or those in charge, and this type of government empowers its leaders to rule in any way they see fit. In this type of government, the people's personal freedom is not recognized. In the United States, the purpose of the government is outlined in the Constitution: to form a more perfect union; to establish justice; to insure tranquility; to provide for the common defense; to promote the general welfare; and to secure the blessings of liberty. As a whole, our government provides us with an organized system by which we can live as a nation in peace.