The roles of government

Have a sound currency or monetary policy—this may mean bring back specie
Ability to Declare War—defensive war and provide for the nation's defense only—not pseudo wars, a subject for another day
Regulate interstate and foreign commerce
Maintain Roads—Transportation, and communication routes
Public education—schooling provided by the government that is compulsory student attendance until a certain age or standard is achieved to all children, paid for by taxation.
Levy Taxes—not income tax, this was never implied by the founders
Prevent Fraud—Trust-busting, also something to be considered in this day of consolidation and conglomeration and multi-nationalization of corporations
Maintain and provide natural monopolies—public utilities such as providing and regulating potable water, water reclamation (waste removal), air pollution, electricity and may include telecommunications
Protect the right and control of private property

I also argue that the amendments to the Constitution are a wise and prudent activity, while bearing in mind the People have rights that should always supercede the Federal Governments.

Protect the rights of religion, free speech, to assemble (meet), to address (petition) the government, and a free press to publish.
The right to keep bear arms.
No quartering soldiers during times of peace or war without the consent of the owner.
The government cannot improperly take property, papers, or people, without a valid warrant based on probable cause.
Due process guarantees, people will not be held for committing a crime unless they are properly indicted, that they may not be tried twice for the same crime, and that you need not be forced to testify against yourself, and from property being taken without just compensation.
The right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, that the accused can confront witnesses against them, and that the accused must be allowed to have a lawyer.
The right to a jury trial in federal civil court cases. (for the most part this is no longer done)
Punishments will be fair, and not cruel, and that extraordinarily large fines will not be set.
There are not expressed rights that these rights are real and cannot, should not be violated.
Any power not granted to the federal government belongs to the states or to the people.
These in my world view are basic rights and responsibilities of government. There are others that have been added overtime and these a good.