On a second level, the government has a role in providing for the basic health and safety of people in our society. Public health regulations are one way of doing this. Food and water purity laws are another. In addition, regulating consumer products is a legitimate role of government. You cannot sell childrens' clothing that is flammable, and you must recall unsafe automobiles.
Municipal governments provide fire protection, police, sanitation and other such services.
These services and regulations fall under the idea of enhancing the welfare of society as a whole. The government, due to its nature as being elected by, and representing the whole of the American citizenry can and should be involved here. By providing these services, the government is maintaining an environment where the individual can achieve success, and the society as a whole can remain stable and safe. Some type of public education ought to be provided by the government. As a government by the people, we depend on citizens being educated about the world in which they live in.