Final answer:
The passage describes the government's role in ensuring national security, which is a responsibility to protect citizens from external threats, making 'Safety is a priority' the correct building block of government described. The U.S. Constitution and the provision of public goods like national security and education by the government emphasize this responsibility.
The Correct option B: Safety is a priority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage is describing the concept of national security, which is a key responsibility of governments to protect their citizens and sovereignty from external threats. The building block of government described here aligns most closely with the option B: Safety is a priority.
Governments have historically built infrastructure like the Great Wall, raised armies, and ensured a powerful navy to defend against invasions. Documents such as the U.S.
Constitution have provisions giving Congress the power to support a standing army and maintain a navy as part of the government's responsibility to provide for the common defense. Modern examples include military responses to terrorist attacks and entering into security pacts like NATO for collective defense.
In this context, public goods such as national security are provided by the government because it is difficult for the market or private entities to fulfill these roles effectively. Only the government can tax, draw upon the resources of an entire nation, and compel citizen compliance to protect the nation.
Ensuring the safety and security of its citizens is a fundamental reason for a state to have a government, consisting of institutions and individuals with the authority to create and execute laws on behalf of its population.