What do you expect from the federal government, and are you getting it?

Establish justice. Provide for the common defense. Promote the general welfare. Secure the blessings of liberty. And do all of that while insuring domestic tranquility. Easier said than done.

Today, the country is $16 trillion in debt and more Americans live in poverty than in the past 52 years. And there are raging political and philosophical debates about how much general welfare we can afford -- or not afford -- and whether we are staying true to the Constitution's guiding principles.

Where do you draw the line between doing what's in the best interest of the state versus what's in the best interest of the individual, and what is the government's role in securing either?

American Public Media and Patchwork Nation are exploring Americans' expectations of government, and their experiences as they relate to the Constitution's core -- and sometimes conflicting -- principles.

So tell us, how has the government -- through its laws, regulations, services, social programs or policies -- helped you or hindered you? Have your views about the Constitution, liberty and the general welfare changed, and if so, why?

Share your insights and help guide our reporting.

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First Name *

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Complete the following sentence: If not for the federal government, I...

How has the federal government helped you or made your life easier?

How has federal government made your life harder?

What about right now? What federal law, regulation, policy or practice is most benefiting you and which one is causing you the most grief? Please speak from personal experience and be specific. We want to know what aspects of government are working or not working for you, not your views on the country as a whole.

Promote the general welfare. Secure the blessings of liberty. Ensure domestic tranquility. What do these phrases mean to you?

What aspect of the Constitution is especially salient to your life right now? Please tell us a story that would help us understand your point of view.

How, if at all, is America straying from or not living up to the Constitution's guiding principles?

Have your views about the Constitution, liberty and the general welfare changed, and if so, why?

What else should we know about the role of government in your life? What questions should we be asking and of whom?

Now we'd like to ask you some questions about your political beliefs and voting preferences. What political party, if any, do you identify with most closely?

If the presidential election were held today, for whom would you vote?

Barack Obama
Mitt Romney
I don't know
Other

If other or unknown, please explain.

What issue or issues will most influence your vote and why?

If you have an original photo to illustrate your insights on government or just of yourself, please upload it here. (No larger than 10MB, please!)

May we publish your insights (and any uploaded files) and attribute them to you? (Your comments may be edited for length or clarity.)

Yes
No
Contact me first

Where can we find you or connect with you online? (your homepage URL, Google +, Facebook page, Twitter handle, blog URL, etc.)

Now, please answer a few questions that will help us better understand your perspective. None of this information is required, and all of it will remain private to the newsroom. In what year were you born?

What do you do for work?

What is your household income?

What race or ethnicity are you?

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