Understanding the limitations — and benefits — of government

Understanding the limitations — and benefits — of government: The humorist P.J. O’Rourke once said, “The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it.” How can we find a middle ground between overpromising and underperforming?