Yes, there is one defining characteristic that permeates all government activity like a bad gene. That characteristic is coercion. The sole function of government is to force people to do that which they would not do voluntarily, or to force them to refrain from doing that which they would like to do. Anything that people will do voluntarily, does not need government. Whenever we invoke the power of government we are coercing our fellow citizens to do our will rather than their own.
People react to coercion in different ways.
Some begrudgingly comply. The resentment simmers within. Others will resist to the limits of their ability. Some will bow to the will of the coercer while plotting escape or revenge. Few, if any, react positively to force and coercion.