That first and foremost, the government has a responsibility to play a positive role in providing for the common good of all in our society.

Ways that government should do this are:

• Making decisions based on critical thinking about issues and using scientific principles in developing public policy

• Maintaining the constitutional principles of separation of church and state

• Promoting progressive tax policies

• Standing for working people and for the right of workers to organize and negotiate

• Protecting and expanding voting rights

• Promoting quality public education for all, as well as making higher education accessible and affordable to all

• Respecting and protecting the human and legal rights of diverse groups in our society, including ethnic minorities