The Teacher's Dilemma

          Every primary school teacher faces a dilemma. In order to appeal to children in the classroom, the teacher can not appear vindictive. Children desire a teacher who understands their complaints; they may even desire a friendship with their teacher. To a great extent, fostering such a relationship is beneficial for the teacher, so that they can communicate and help the pupils. However, rules are an essential element of teaching. Discipline is required to ensure that all students are learning well and not suffering at the hands of others. Rules are necessary to ensure that students all have an equal footing and are actually benefiting from their education. This enforcement of rules can however reduce the ability of teachers and students to work together happily on an equal footing. How does a teacher get to know students personally while still ensuring order?
          This same problem exists in government. How can a government that is supposed to ensure law and order also foster communication and communal good with its citizens? When a state exercises authority over citizens, the citizens inherently resent this control. In order for them to reach consensus, the control that government exercises has to benefit citizens more than the citizens perceive it to limit them. Just as a teacher's discipline must be perceived as fair by students in order for them to still feel comfortable around their teacher. If it is considered draconian and unjust, the students will not work with the teacher and will not learn anything. If no discipline is enacted, the students will be allowed to free play as though it were recess. In that environment, no learning would be possible either.
          Government, instead of learning, must foster a common good. A set of principles, justice, equality, and success that match the goals of an informed citizenry are critical, but if the aims of the government no longer reflect the goals of the people, the people will stop accepting such governance. Another hindrance is misinformation. If the citizenry is misled to have little faith in their government, then it can be just as devastating. People must understand what their government is doing and must approve of it, but also be aware of what legislation is being passed by their representatives.