ABSTRACT
There are numerous problems and dilemmas of government that have proven to be historically enduring or recurrent, and hence will probably never go away. This chapter cites cases from ancient and recent times to provide this historical perspective. Who should rule? What qualifies a person to rule? Who are ‘the people’? What are the aims and limits of government? What resources can it command? Should we centralise or devolve powers? Should those who govern administer rewards and punishments or lead by example? How do we balance self-interest with the common good? How do we establish a basis of shared beliefs?
