we are a hybrid between a weak union of individual countries (ie as we were under the Articles of Confederation) and a centrally controlled country. our federal government's function is to regulate interstate commerce, maintain a single currency, provide for the defense of the states, regulate the relationships among the states, et cetera. I refer you to the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and Anti-Federalist Papers for a more complete discussion on the roles of the state and federal governments.

as for supporting the state or providing for the citizenry, it is not the function of government to "care for our fellow citizens" it is rather the an implied moral obligation for individuals to help others within their community and outside their community. this is done through volunteerism, charitable giving, and community organizations. if the state or federal government is spending more than they can afford, perhaps they should re-evaluate what they are spending money on. this is particularly true of the federal government and routine deficit spending.

it is my position that state and federal government need to get out of social welfare and morality. the federal government should be reigned in to act only in matters that were specifically enumerated in the Constitution and the Amendments as being under federal jurisdiction. the states should, and in many cases do, have the ability to make and enforce laws their citizens see as appropriate, provided such laws do not contradict the Constitution.