What are the legitimate functions of government?

So what you're saying, then, is that because governments are made up of people, they make mistakes and are plagued by human characteristics, and are therefore imperfect?

To which, I would say "That is correct".

[quote]The one common thing about governments is that they exploit the people.

What is a government? How do we define such a thing?

Were Native American leaders considered to be governing of their tribes? I think that's what I'd consider them. Yet, I don't believe they worked to exploit their people.

I think what I'd say is this:

Government is inherently flawed because it is, and should be, made up of human beings. However, government is, at worst, a necessary evil, because of the protection it offers its people and the bargaining power, for a nation, that comes with the citizens' will as a collective whole.

Your original question was something to the effect of "Is government necessary?"

My answer to you is "Stop taking advantage of anything being furnished by the government for 6 months and then get back to me."