All these are the purposes of government EXCEPT

Analyze the question: This is an "EXCEPT" question. Four options are genuine purposes of government, and one is not. We need to find the odd one out.

Concept: In Government as a subject, the main purposes (functions) of a government include:

• Maintaining law and order (peace and security)
• Protecting lives and property
• Providing welfare and social services so citizens can live well
• Providing orderly means for change and succession of leadership (elections, constitutional procedures)
• Settling disputes through the courts
• Promoting economic development and national unity

Step-by-step check of each option:

• A. Create condition for good life. This is a purpose of government, since it provides infrastructure, education, health and a favourable environment for citizens.
• B. Deal decisively with all opposition. This is not a legitimate purpose. In a democracy, opposition is a normal and necessary part of the system, because it checks the government and offers alternative policies. Dealing "decisively with all opposition" describes oppression or dictatorship, not a purpose of government.
• C. Ensure safety of life and property. This is a basic purpose of government.
• D. Ensure mechanism of change and succession. This is a purpose, because government provides rules for peaceful transfer of power (elections, constitutional succession).
• E. Keep peace and maintain order. This is a core purpose of government.

Answer: Option B is the exception. It is the only one that does not describe a proper purpose of government.

Exam tip: For "EXCEPT" questions, look for the option with negative, extreme or undemocratic wording (such as "all opposition", "decisively", "suppress"). Words like "all" and "always" often signal a wrong statement in Government questions.