Even before the founding of the United States, Americans had political differences. The first controversy involved the revolution itself. Should the colonies separate from England or remain subjects of the king? After the war, the main issue was one of states’ rights and the role of the federal government. The most consequential political difference resulted in the Civil War with hundreds of thousands of lives lost, massive destruction, and yet the beginning of a pathway to equality for all.

Today, Americans face another fundamental political difference that may not be reconcilable. It boils down to the reason government exists. The political right sees the role of government as a protector of individual liberties, empowering people to live their lives as they see fit within the boundaries of established laws. With this view point, the government may or may not provide safety-net programs for those in need.

The political left, on the other hand, sees government as a framework to manage shared responsibility. In other words, we are all our brother’s keeper and it requires a village to take care of every citizen. This philosophy believes government should organize society and insure that resources come from people according to their ability and be given to others according to their needs.

Over the past 80 years, the United States has gradually moved to the view point of the political left. Social Security and Medicare are not safety-net programs. They are mandated by the government  and force everyone, at least those with jobs, to fund these plans through payroll taxes. “Compassionate conservatives” have allowed other entitlements, such as Medicaid, to expand well beyond the intended goal of providing for the most vulnerable in the country. Once established, entitlements are almost impossible to reform, let alone abolish.

The national election this November gives all American voters the opportunity to choose which path the federal government should take. Personalities aside, the platforms of the two major political parties have not been this different and polarized for 60 years. There is a basic, fundamental difference in how people view the purpose of government. This difference may not be reconcilable. The United States is no longer a republic, it is a majority-rules democracy. Voters will ultimately get to decide the role of government.