ksrugisIf you want to look at a more general argument for the purpose of government, I would recommend Bastiat’s “The Law”. Here is a short quote, as he launches directly into what you are talking about:
“Here I encounter the most popular fallacy of our times. It is not considered sufficient that the law should be just; it must be philanthropic. Nor is it sufficient that the law should guarantee to every citizen the free and inoffensive use of his faculties for physical, intellectual, and moral self-improvement. Instead, it is demanded that the law should directly extend welfare, education, and morality throughout the nation.”
This is a work that has stood the test of time and inspired many generations after him in the pursuit of liberty. It’s also quite short, easy to read, thrilling (to me at least), and free online.