Short Answer 
The government is tasked with protecting citizens’ natural rights and should operate with checks and balances to prevent overreach. Its legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed, necessitating accountability when it strays from this principle. The framework of governance includes regulations and a division of power to maintain citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Step 1: Understanding Government Power
The role of the government is primarily to protect the natural rights of its citizens. When a government abuses this power, it risks infringing on these rights, leading to oppression and control over individuals’ lives. This highlights the importance of having checks and balances in place to prevent governmental overreach.
Step 2: The Principle of Consent
Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, meaning that citizens agree to be governed under certain terms. This principle ensures that the authority of the government is legitimate and that it should act in the best interests of the people. When governance deviates from these principles, it loses its moral authority, prompting the need for accountability.
Step 3: Regulatory Framework and Division of Power
To safeguard against excessive control, the preamble of a constitution often emphasizes that power should lie with the people. Consequently, governments typically implement regulations designed to limit their influence over personal lives. They establish multiple branches of government to ensure a division of power that contributes to a system of checks and balances, preserving citizens’ rights and freedoms.