Examining the Government-Population Relationship

The relationship between governments and their people has significantly evolved over the centuries. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen incredible advances in technology, public health, and behavioral norms which have dramatically re-characterized this relationship. This then begs the question of how the structure and function of government affects this relationship and the outcomes produced by the intersection of policy and population. Parliamentary, multi-party systems appear to encourage greater trust in government alongside higher levels of democratic participation. Meanwhile, public healthcare programs - despite their high tax burden - greatly contribute to public health and improve government trust. Further, universalist and conservative welfare regimes are more effective at reducing income inequality than liberal welfare regimes.