Government vs the people

Did we ever decide that the government should be a separate entity from the people?

Did we ever decide that the government should be anything other than a tool to represent our voice and be the source of collective action to solve our biggest problems?

Why are we in a position where so many view the government with suspicion, even active hatred?

The separation of the government and people only benefits those that don’t need a voice, those that have power without it.

How can the government be seen as the voice of the people?

How can we break the dichotomy of people wanting nice roads but actively looking for ways to reduce their tax bills?