This statement is far too broad. Gov't has two legitimate functions: 1) the provision of social overhead capital (e.g., those things deemed necessary by society but won't be purchased in private markets, like a standing military, public highways, etc.), and 2) the policing of property rights (e.g., a legal system, police protection, etc.). The problem is that we have let our gov't far over-step their required tasks.
Government has over-stepped. It does many things that it ought not to do.
But even within the realm of what government “ought to do” look at the military — do you have any idea how often the US has invaded a foreign country? Central America? Middle East? Asia? Yes, we probably need a military — but our government uses it inappropriately and has for over 100 years.
And the legal system? The police? My God. We live in a police state and the courts are a joke.
We need to start over and our next version of the Constitution needs to be more explicit about what the government cannot do, and the instant penalties that will be levied against government bureaucrats who break the rules.
Human evil will never allow government to stay limited. A fundamentally predatory, destructive, conquering species cannot stay limited in power structures i.e. government. I know rhe political and economic theory of limited government, and like Communism or socialism, it simply cannot survive in the long run. Proof - American and European history circa 1700 to present.
Bedtime reading for you:
“https://oll.libertyfund.org/title/spooner-no-treason-no-vi-the-constitution-of-no-authority-1870“
The “legitimacy” of any government is the same as the “legitimacy” of a mugger who points a gun at your head.
Everything else is talk, talk, talk....
This is what God says about government:
“1Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God,
and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God,
and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3For rulers are not a terror to good works,
but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?
Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4For he is God’s minister to you for good.
But if you do evil, be afraid;
for he does not bear the sword in vain;
for he is God’s minister,
an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5Therefore you must be subject,
not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6For because of this you also pay taxes,
for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7Render therefore to all their due:
taxes to whom taxes are due,
customs to whom customs,
fear to whom fear,
honor to whom honor.
NKJV