It should be limited to the function of securing our rights. Instead, government has taken on countless duties, from running subways to inspecting pickles. Government can't even keep track of much of the money, as Stossel learns when he drops in on D.C. committee hearings and the General Accounting Office. Much of what government does do, it does poorly, finds Stossel. The Interior Department spent billions to help Native Americans, but Indians are the poorest people in America.
Charities complain that government rules make it tougher to help people.
Stossel finds private organizations taking over formerly government-run functions and doing the job better. Martin Phillips is the senior producer.