Four Ways I Encounter the Government Regularly
Much as individuals lead private lives, such cannot be possible without some level of government influence on specific areas. While the interaction between the personal activities and the government may not be direct, daily activities are made possible mainly through the influence of public goods. Areas I encounter the government every day is through its provision of electricity, the inspection and certification of foods, the provision of safe drinking water, and the regulation of the workplace.
After waking up each morning, I turn on the coffee maker and ensure that my phone is fully charged. The functionality of all these aspects and other activities within the home is dependent on the availability of power. The events lead to interaction with the government is because the Department of Energy under the federal government generates electricity and provides the infrastructure necessary for Americans to access power. The department also protects the grid from physical or cyber-attacks (U.S. Department of Energy). Therefore, it is through the public utility of electricity that I can enjoy my coffee and check my emails and social media activity before leaving the house.
Secondly, I encounter the government through its inspection and certification of foods that should be consumed. My breakfast often involves the consumption of eggs, bacon, cereals, or just some fruits. My ability to enjoy such meals depends on the inspection and certification roles of different government agencies. For example, the federal government places rules on the production of foods as a way of controlling foodborne diseases such as salmonella poisoning. The food safety and inspection service ensure that eggs, meat, and poultry are safe for consumption (Usa.gov). Thus, the government ensures that I can consume foods without getting sick and then focus on my daily activities.
Throughout the day, I ensure that I consume a minimum of two liters of water, and this is made possible by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I consider water consumption to be vital for my health and hence the inclination towards constant use whether at home, in school, or at the workplace. The government ensures that all individuals have access to safe drinking water through the Environmental Protection Agency. Through the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, EPA has the mandate to ensure the provision of safe drinking water, and this becomes possible through its protection of drinking water from natural and human-made toxins (Weinmeyer et al.). Such means that I have daily interaction with the government since it ensures I have access to safe drinking water.
Moreover, I commute from my home to school and work, and this movement occurs within the government constructed roads and highways. The transport system that ensures an easy commute between various destinations is under the federal government’s Department of Transportation. The department has multiple agencies under it responsible for the building and repairs of roads and highways throughout the United States. While the federal government is accountable for the construction and upkeep of interstate roads and highways, local ways are under the mandate of the local and state government. Ninety-seven percent of roads in the United States are under the jurisdiction of the local and state governments (American Road & Transportation Builders Association). Therefore, my everyday movement as I engage in normal activities is possible through the public utility of roads provided by the government.
The government’s influence is evident in everyday activities. Before leaving the house, utilities such as electricity and safe drinking water are provided by the government. On the other hand, various agencies ensure the safety of food while the Department of Transportation offers road utility for everyday movement. Hence, there is an intersection between the private and public activities.
Works Cited
American Road & Transportation Builders Association. “Highways Policy.” Artba.org, Sept. 2017, www.artba.org/government-affairs/policy-statements/highways-policy/. Accessed 14 Jul. 2020.
U.S. Department of Energy. “Electric Power.” Energy.gov, n.d., www.energy.gov/science-innovation/electric-power. Accessed 14 Jul. 2020.
Usa.gov. “Food Safety and Inspection Service.” Usa.gov, 2020, www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/food-safety-and-inspection-service. Accessed 14 Jul. 2020.
Weinmeyer, Richard, et al. “The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 and Its Role in Providing Access to Safe Drinking Water in the United States.” AMA Journal of Ethics, Oct. 2017, journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/safe-drinking-water-act-1974-and-its-role-providing-access-safe-drinking-water-united-states/2017-10. Accessed 14 Jul. 2020.
