**Commentary** This opinion presumably refers to the arguments surrounding whether a small government is desirable. The concept of a 'small government' refers to one that has minimal intervention in matters concerning public policy and the private sector. Supporters of small governments propose that it would result in: - more individual freedom as a result of less regulation in areas such as the free-market. - less government expenditure and debts - less intrusion on daily life thus more citizen privacy However, disadvantages include: - less individual freedom as less intervention can mean no policies in place to _protect_ your freedoms - it is left to the responsibility of private corporations to tackle important issues such as the environmental and infrastructure problems, meaning they may never get addressed - profit is the main motive of any private corporation and the benefits and health of the people is at best a secondary priority. There is a need for a regulatory force to ensure, for example, their products are not a threat to public health. - privatisation of industries such as healthcare - lack of social safety nets - government can be incapable or ill-equipt to deal with large scale crises - less workplace regulations which prevent exploitation such as minimum wage and working in humane conditions