What's government's role anyway?

There is a musical called "1776" about the events in the Second Continental Congress leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Some of my favorite characters from the film, to name a few, are Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. I wonder what those guys would have to say about the current state of our government. I can assure you of one thing - the idea that government should play any part in the bailing out of businesses, healthcare or "creating jobs" would've been blasphemy to them. Back then, there was one fundamental idea that strongly bonded virtually everyone - SMALL GOVERNMENT & INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY. They had just separated themselves from the tyrannical British Empire, and wanted to establish a government by the people & for the people. The first income tax code wasn't enacted until 1861 to help fund the civil war - 85 years later! And even then it was intended to be temporary. Being mostly libertarian in my views, even I will say that a taxing system is absolutely necessary, but I contend that our government's role should be very limited, and consist of defense, infrastructure, and little else - NOT bailouts, health care & the creation of jobs.