night watchman state

== English == === Alternative forms === night-watchman state === Etymology === Calque of German Nachtwächterstaat, which was coined by German socialist Ferdinand Lassalle in an 1862 speech in Berlin. He used this term to criticize the idea of a state with minimal government, comparing it to a night watchman whose sole duty was preventing theft. === Noun === night watchman state (plural night watchman states) (political philosophy) Government that is limited to a bare minimum of functions, usually just military, police, and courts. Synonyms: minarchy, minimal state Coordinate terms: nanny state, welfare state, police state ==== Translations ====