What arguments did Herbert Spencer make in The Proper Sphere of Government?

In his 1843 pamphlet The Proper Sphere of Government, Herbert Spencer argued that the primary and legitimate function of government is to uphold natural rights. He contended that governments overstep their boundaries and ultimately cause more harm than good when they attempt to extend their authority beyond this specific purpose.12

This early work established the foundation for the extreme form of laissez-faire economics and individualism that would characterize much of his later social philosophy. By advocating for a minimal state, Spencer sought to protect the autonomy of the individual against state interference, a theme that remained central to his belief that society functions best when cooperation is voluntary rather than forced by government regulation.134