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Smith's treatise on what makes government work begins with "The United States is at a crisis." He continues to state that many in government spend their time "chasing red herrings like abortion, no taxes, free trade, or deregulation." These political theories, he asserts, distract from the true purpose of government which is to work with its citizens for the community's good. When governing entities fail to attend to the good of all its citizens, whether through the promotion of one certain doctrine or showing favor to "any part of the economy at the expense of others, the government has failed in its responsibility to provide for the good of all." The author proceeds to define good government through an extended analogy using the Ten Commandments. Discussions of different forms of government, systems of economics, megaeconomics, and immigration are discussed in subsequent chapters.
Though books concerning government, politics, and economics can sometimes be hard to comprehend, Smith's use of analogies to explain these elements makes some of his more difficult subjects accessible to all readers. The writing is clear and to the point, and each assertion is fully explained. The information included leads one to an understanding and appreciation of the role of government in the lives of citizens. The author states that his conclusions are not "developed by academia" but are "the result of experience guided by schooling, not a blind adherence to economic or historic theories." This drawing upon life experience, such as his interest in how people interact and his work as a certified public accountant, gives Smith his unique view of effective government. Those wishing to understand how government works, or how it should work, will find much to contemplate in this offering.