Which political philosophy advocates a limited government role and a so-called nightwatchman state?

• A. Welfare State
• B. Nightwatchman State
• C. Totalitarianism
• D. Laissez-Faire Liberalism

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is a government whose job is narrow and protective: to enforce laws, maintain public order, protect property, and defend the country. This is the nightwatchman state. It limits government activity to those basic functions and keeps hands off welfare programs, economic planning, and broad social interventions. That makes it the best fit for describing a limited-government model. The welfare state envisions expanding government to provide social services, which contradicts the limited role. Totalitarianism represents comprehensive control by the state, the opposite of a limited role. Laissez-faire liberalism emphasizes minimal intervention, especially in the economy, but the term nightwatchman state specifically signals the structured, protective scope of government that the question highlights.