Does a Hidden Government Really Control Our Nation Beyond Elected Leaders?

Brief Overview

• The term “deep state” refers to the belief that unelected government officials, military leaders, and intelligence agencies secretly control government policies independent of elected representatives and the people’s will.
• This concept gained significant attention in modern political discourse but remains controversial, with many scholars and analysts debating whether such a coordinated hidden government actually exists.
• The administrative state consists of career civil servants, federal agencies, and professional bureaucrats who work to implement government policies and serve the public, though their role differs from the conspiracy theory version.
• Catholic teaching emphasizes that government authority exists to serve the common good and must be exercised through legitimate means that respect justice and the moral order.
• Citizens have a responsibility to understand how their government works and to participate in civic life while also exercising proper discernment about claims made regarding government operations.
• The Catholic faith calls believers to seek truth, practice prudence in evaluating information, and remain engaged in the democratic process to promote justice and the common good in society.

Understanding the Deep State Concept

The term “deep state” has become increasingly prominent in political conversations over the past several decades. People use this phrase to describe what they believe is a hidden network of government officials who wield real power regardless of who sits in elected office. According to this theory, these unelected bureaucrats, intelligence officers, and military leaders actively work to undermine or circumvent the decisions made by presidents, senators, and representatives. The concept suggests that elections matter less than many believe because true power rests with permanent government structures that operate beyond public scrutiny. This idea appeals to people who feel frustrated with government responsiveness and who suspect that powerful forces work against their interests. However, the “deep state” exists primarily as a political concept rather than as an established fact supported by evidence. When critics use this term, they often refer to the entire federal bureaucracy or to specific agencies that disagree with particular elected officials’ policies. The phrase carries emotional weight and creates concern about hidden manipulation, though experts frequently note that the actual operations of government are more complex and less coordinated than such theories suggest. Understanding what the term means requires distinguishing between legitimate concerns about government effectiveness and conspiratorial thinking that oversimplifies how institutions actually function.

The Administrative State and Career Government Workers

A more accurate way to describe the permanent structure of government is to use the term “administrative state.” This refers to the millions of career civil servants, federal employees, and bureaucrats who work within various government agencies to implement policies and serve the public. These individuals include park rangers, social workers, engineers, scientists, tax agents, and countless other professionals who maintain government operations. They work under both Democratic and Republican administrations, implementing whatever policies elected leaders choose to enact. The federal government employs millions of people across hundreds of agencies, and these workers generally take their oaths seriously to serve the Constitution and the American people. Research conducted by scholars who study the federal workforce reveals that most government employees care deeply about their work and take pride in their service. They pursue careers in government for various reasons, including the desire to help others, commitment to public service, and belief in the importance of their work. The administrative state is not inherently sinister or designed to undermine democracy; it represents the machinery through which government functions. Career government workers typically accept that elected leaders have the authority to set policy direction, even when individual employees might personally disagree with those policies. Understanding the distinction between the administrative state and a “deep state” conspiracy helps citizens evaluate claims about government more accurately.

How Government Bureaucracy Actually Functions

Government agencies operate according to established procedures, laws, and regulations that exist independently of any individual elected official. When a new president takes office, that leader gains the power to appoint hundreds of political appointees to top positions within these agencies. These political appointees work alongside career civil servants to implement the administration’s policies and priorities. The separation between political appointees and career staff creates a complex dynamic within government, but this structure also serves important purposes. Career officials bring institutional knowledge, continuity, and professional expertise that would be lost if an entire agency turned over every four or eight years. This continuity allows government to maintain basic functions even as political leadership changes. At the same time, political appointees ensure that elected leaders can influence how agencies operate and what priorities they pursue. In many cases, career government employees find themselves implementing policies they might personally oppose, but they accept this as part of their professional responsibility. This system creates tension at times, but the tension itself is a feature of democratic government rather than evidence of hidden manipulation. Agencies must balance competing demands from elected officials, legal requirements, public needs, and their own institutional practices. The complexity of these relationships often leads to confusion and to claims that “the bureaucracy” is acting independently when in reality many factors influence agency decisions.

Distinguishing Fact from Conspiracy Theory

The debate over the “deep state” often conflates legitimate concerns about government with unfounded conspiracy theories. Some legitimate criticisms of the federal government deserve consideration and discussion. Citizens might reasonably question whether certain agencies have become too large or whether government workers at times resist policy changes too strongly. They might worry about corruption or inefficiency in government operations. These concerns reflect normal democratic discourse about how to improve government performance. However, the “deep state” conspiracy theory goes much further by claiming that hidden officials secretly direct government policies against the will of elected leaders. This theory typically lacks specific evidence and instead relies on circumstantial observations or suspicious interpretations of ordinary government actions. When government agencies follow established procedures or offer professional advice that contradicts a political leader’s preferred course, this represents normal bureaucratic functioning rather than conspiracy. When multiple career officials share similar views or offer consistent professional judgment, this reflects their training and expertise rather than coordination to undermine elected authority. The conspiracy theory version of “deep state” claims often describe a level of coordination and secrecy that would be extraordinarily difficult to maintain across thousands of people in hundreds of agencies. History shows that most government secrets eventually become public through leaks, investigations, or declassification, making truly massive hidden conspiracies unlikely. Catholics should practice prudence and discernment when evaluating such claims, demanding evidence before accepting allegations of widespread hidden government.

What Catholic Teaching Says About Government and Authority

The Catholic Church teaches that government authorities exist for an important purpose: to promote and protect the common good of society. The Catechism explains that authority exercised by rulers or government leaders holds legitimacy only when it seeks the common good and employs morally acceptable means to achieve it (CCC 1903). This teaching recognizes that government plays an essential role in organizing society and protecting its members. The Church acknowledges that both citizens and authorities have responsibilities within a just society. Citizens have a duty to contribute to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, and freedom, working alongside civil authorities (CCC 2239). This teaching suggests that citizens cannot simply ignore government or refuse to participate in civic life. Instead, they should engage with their government thoughtfully while also holding leaders accountable to moral standards. The Church also teaches that government authority comes with real limits and constraints. Rulers who enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order create rules that do not bind the conscience of citizens (CCC 1903). This means that a government that exercises its authority unjustly loses its moral legitimacy regarding those unjust acts. However, this teaching about limits on authority does not support the idea of hidden government manipulation. Rather, it calls citizens to resist injustice openly through lawful means and democratic processes. The Church’s emphasis on transparency, justice, and respect for the moral order stands opposed to the secrecy and hidden power that “deep state” theories propose.

The Virtue of Prudence in Evaluating Claims

Catholic moral teaching identifies prudence as one of the cardinal virtues, and it involves making wise judgments about practical matters. Prudence requires that we carefully evaluate information, consider different perspectives, and avoid rushing to judgment about complex situations. When citizens encounter claims about hidden government manipulation, prudence calls them to examine these claims critically. They should ask what evidence supports such claims and whether simpler explanations might account for the observed facts. Prudence involves recognizing the difference between healthy skepticism and unfounded suspicion. A prudent person questions government claims when appropriate but does not assume that all government actions result from conspiracy. They recognize that people can disagree about policy without anyone acting in bad faith or secret coordination. The virtue of prudence also involves consulting reliable sources and considering the expertise of people who study particular topics. Someone claiming that a hidden government manipulates events should be able to provide concrete evidence of their allegations. When investigated carefully, most “deep state” theories rest on circumstantial evidence or on interpretations that assume bad intent without proving it. Prudence requires recognizing that government is complex and that conflicts within government often reflect legitimate disagreements about policy rather than secret manipulation. Catholic teaching encourages believers to pursue truth carefully and to base their convictions on solid evidence rather than on suspicion or fear. This approach to truth-seeking protects people from spreading false claims and from organizing their lives around beliefs unsupported by evidence.

The Value of Truth and Intellectual Honesty

The Church places high value on truth as fundamental to human dignity and flourishing. Saint John wrote that “the truth will set you free,” reflecting the Christian understanding that truth forms the foundation for authentic freedom (CCC 2467). This commitment to truth extends to how we form our beliefs about the world and about government. Intellectual honesty requires that we examine the basis for our convictions and remain open to correcting ourselves when evidence warrants it. When people embrace the “deep state” theory without carefully examining its claims, they abandon intellectual honesty in favor of confirmation bias and fear-driven thinking. Truth-seeking requires effort and humility; it means reading diverse sources, listening to people with different perspectives, and remaining willing to acknowledge limitations in our knowledge. In the context of government and politics, pursuing truth means looking at actual evidence about how government functions rather than adopting sensational narratives that feel emotionally satisfying. It means recognizing that government employees are ordinary people with normal virtues and flaws rather than viewing them as either heroes or conspirators. The Church teaches that “living in the truth” represents a fundamental Christian responsibility that shapes how we engage with society (CCC 2467). This applies to our conversations about government, our participation in political life, and our attitudes toward those who work in government. When we abandon truth-seeking in favor of comforting stories or fear-driven narratives, we harm ourselves and our communities. Catholics should strive to understand how their government actually works and to form accurate beliefs about government based on evidence and reason.

Democratic Participation and Civic Responsibility

Catholic teaching emphasizes that citizens in democracies bear special responsibility for their government and its actions. Unlike people under authoritarian rule who have limited ways to influence leadership, citizens in democratic societies have the power to participate in choosing their leaders and influencing policy. This power brings corresponding responsibility. Citizens should educate themselves about issues, candidates, and how government functions so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box. They should participate in civic life through voting, community involvement, and thoughtful engagement with public affairs. This participation should reflect the values of justice, truth, and the common good that the Church teaches. Rather than focusing on theories about hidden manipulation beyond their control, citizens should direct their energy toward influencing the government processes that are open to them. Through voting, political activism, advocacy, and engagement with elected representatives, citizens can work to shape their government according to their values and vision. The Church recognizes that democratic participation requires effort and ongoing commitment. Citizens must stay informed, think carefully about policy issues, and work with others toward shared goals. Some people find this difficult and are tempted to accept simple explanations that external forces control everything. However, embracing “deep state” theories as a substitute for actual democratic participation represents an abdication of the responsibility that comes with living in a democracy. Catholic social teaching calls citizens to active engagement with the common good through whatever means their society provides.

The Role of Legitimate Criticism and Reform

Catholic teaching does not require uncritical acceptance of government authority or blind obedience to those in power. Rather, the Church recognizes that government institutions and practices deserve scrutiny and reform when they fail to serve the common good or violate justice. Legitimate criticism of government differs fundamentally from conspiracy theorizing. Someone engaged in legitimate criticism points to specific policies they believe cause harm and offers arguments for reform based on evidence and reasoning. They might argue that a particular agency functions inefficiently or that a law should be changed because it produces unjust outcomes. Such criticism aims at improving government performance and upholding justice. This form of engagement represents proper civic participation that the Church supports. However, there is significant distance between arguing that specific government policies need reform and claiming that hidden officials secretly control everything. The first approach works within the democratic system to advocate change through lawful means; the second abandons the democratic process in favor of suspicion and fatalism. Citizens who believe government is not serving the common good should work to change policies through voting, advocacy, and persuasion. They should run candidates who share their values, support issues they care about, and build coalitions to advance their preferred policies. This authentic democratic engagement produces more positive results than spreading conspiracy theories that encourage distrust and disengagement. When government functions poorly or acts unjustly, the remedy comes through reform efforts by citizens working through democratic processes, not through discovering secret manipulators and abandoning faith in the possibility of improving government.

Understanding Legitimate Government Resistance

Some people confuse legitimate bureaucratic resistance to change with evidence of hidden government conspiracy. When a president takes office and attempts to implement new policies, government agencies often move slowly in implementing those changes. Career officials might raise concerns about whether proposed changes follow the law or serve the public interest. They might offer professional advice that contradicts the political leader’s preferred direction. Some observers interpret this resistance as evidence of a “deep state” working against elected authority. However, this interpretation misunderstands how bureaucracies function. Government agencies typically develop expertise in their specific areas and establish procedures based on law and accumulated experience. When new leadership proposes changes to established practices, agency staff often express concerns or present alternative approaches. This professional input reflects their responsibility to ensure that government follows the law and serves the public properly. It does not represent hidden manipulation or conspiracy. Moreover, many government employees have taken oaths to uphold the Constitution, not to serve any particular political leader. They may believe that their professional responsibility requires questioning policies they perceive as unconstitutional or harmful. This tension between political leadership and career expertise creates normal, observable friction within government. The tension itself does not prove conspiracy; rather, it reflects the built-in checks and balances within the system. Sometimes career officials prove to be correct in their concerns, and political leaders recognize that policy changes will not work as planned. At other times, political leaders implement their preferred policies despite professional objections. This back-and-forth represents normal democratic government, not evidence of secret power working against the elected president.

The Dangers of Conspiracy Thinking

When people become convinced that hidden forces control major events, this belief can produce harmful effects in their lives and communities. Conspiracy thinking tends to expand and become more elaborate over time, as believers interpret new events through their existing conspiracy framework. Evidence against the conspiracy is interpreted as evidence that the conspirators are hiding the truth. This self-reinforcing pattern makes conspiracy beliefs very difficult to change through reasoning or evidence. People who spend significant time focusing on conspiracy theories often experience increased anxiety and distrust of institutions and other people. They may withdraw from democratic participation, assuming that voting or activism cannot change anything because hidden forces control events anyway. This withdrawal reduces their ability to influence their government through legitimate means. Conspiracy thinking also frequently breeds hostility toward government employees and officials, even those whose jobs serve the public interest. When people view government workers as dangerous conspirators, they lose the ability to work with those employees or to view them as fellow citizens with legitimate professional roles. This hostility can escalate to harassment or even violence in extreme cases. From a Catholic perspective, these outcomes represent spiritual and moral dangers. When we abandon trust in truth and reason in favor of suspicion and fear, we damage ourselves and our communities. When we view fellow humans as evil conspirators rather than as persons with dignity deserving respect, we fail to live according to the commandment to love our neighbors. The Church teaches that Christians must guard against false beliefs and the harmful effects they produce while still maintaining hope that truth and goodness can ultimately prevail.

Seeking Truth in an Age of Information Overload

Modern people face overwhelming amounts of information from countless sources, making it challenging to determine what is true and what is false. Social media algorithms often direct people toward content that confirms their existing beliefs, creating what researchers call “filter bubbles” where people encounter primarily one perspective. In such an environment, false or misleading information spreads rapidly, and conspiracy theories find receptive audiences. The virtue of prudence becomes especially important when forming beliefs in this complex information landscape. Catholics should seek out reliable sources of information, including reputable news organizations, academic institutions, and government records. They should read materials from authors who have expertise in the topics they are studying and who have established records of accuracy. They should also listen to people who disagree with them, considering whether opposing viewpoints offer valid insights or evidence they had not previously considered. This approach to truth-seeking takes time and effort, but it produces more reliable beliefs than simply accepting whatever claims seem emotionally compelling. In evaluating claims about the “deep state,” people should examine what specific evidence supports such claims and whether that evidence actually proves the alleged conspiracy. They should consider whether simpler explanations might account for the same facts. They should recognize that even if some government employees occasionally act improperly, this does not prove the existence of a vast hidden government. They should also acknowledge the complexity of government operations and resist the temptation to reduce that complexity to simple good-versus-evil narratives. Truth-seeking in an age of information abundance requires intentionality and commitment to accuracy over comfort.

Catholic Engagement with a Pluralistic Society

Catholics live in diverse societies where people hold different religious beliefs, political views, and understanding of government. The Church teaches that Catholics should engage respectfully with people who hold different perspectives while maintaining their own convictions about truth and justice. This balanced engagement requires wisdom and charity. Catholics should not assume that those who disagree with them do so in bad faith or that opposing political views reflect evil intentions. People can hold different political philosophies and policy preferences while all pursuing what they believe serves the common good. The Church also teaches that Catholics should contribute to public discourse by offering truth-based arguments grounded in reason that people of various religious backgrounds can consider. Rather than relying on theories about hidden manipulation or conspiracy, Catholics should articulate specific policy arguments based on evidence and reasoning. They should explain how particular policies would affect the common good and why alternative approaches might better serve justice. This form of engagement represents authentic civic participation grounded in Catholic social teaching. Catholics should also recognize that people who hold different political views may have legitimate concerns about government even if they reach different conclusions about how to address those concerns. Someone on the political left and someone on the political right might both worry about government effectiveness or power, but they might propose different solutions to those problems. These genuine concerns deserve respectful consideration, but they should not be confused with evidence of hidden government conspiracy. By engaging thoughtfully with different perspectives while maintaining commitment to truth and the common good, Catholics can contribute constructively to democratic societies.

The Problem of Scapegoating

Throughout history, societies have sometimes sought simple explanations for complex problems by blaming particular groups for society’s difficulties. This scapegoating process offers emotional relief because it provides someone or something to hold responsible, and it suggests that removing the blamed group would solve the problems. The “deep state” theory functions as a form of scapegoating in some contexts. Rather than grappling with the genuine complexity of government and policy, people can blame unelected “deep state” officials for problems and imagine that removing these officials would solve things. This scapegoating impulse contradicts Catholic teaching in several ways. The Church teaches that people deserve to be treated with dignity and evaluated fairly based on their actual actions rather than based on group membership or suspicion. It teaches that seeking truth requires careful investigation and evidence rather than accepting simple stories that assign blame. The Church also emphasizes the importance of recognizing how systems work and addressing problems through structural reform rather than through finding villains to punish. In the context of government, this means that if people are concerned about government performance, they should examine specific policies, budget decisions, and institutional structures while evaluating those elements on their merits. They should not seek simple answers involving hidden villains but should instead engage in the more difficult work of understanding problems and proposing solutions. This approach aligns with the Church’s teaching that justice requires careful attention to facts and circumstances rather than rushing to judgment based on suspicion or bias.

How Government Oversight Actually Functions

Democratic governments include many built-in mechanisms for oversight and accountability, though these mechanisms are imperfect and require active citizenship to work properly. Congress includes committees that investigate government agencies and hold hearings where officials must answer questions about their operations. Media organizations conduct investigations of government actions and publish findings that citizens can read. Courts review government decisions to determine whether they comply with law. Inspectors general within various agencies audit government spending and operations. Freedom of Information Act requests allow citizens and journalists to obtain government documents and records. Congressional subpoenas require government officials to testify under oath about their actions. These oversight mechanisms are not perfect, and critics can fairly argue that some oversight could be improved or strengthened. However, their very existence demonstrates that government officials and policies are subject to public scrutiny and accountability. If a truly massive “deep state” conspiracy existed, it would likely be exposed through one of these oversight mechanisms. The fact that this has not happened, despite numerous investigations and inquiries over many decades, provides reason to doubt that such a coordinated hidden government exists. Moreover, these oversight mechanisms represent exactly the kind of solution to government problems that Catholic teaching supports. Rather than blaming hidden conspirators, citizens and officials work through legitimate processes to investigate whether government functions properly and to make improvements. They demand evidence when they suspect problems, and they pursue accountability through lawful means. This approach respects both the value of good government and the dignity of government employees who work honestly to serve the public.

Personal Formation and Resisting Fear

Individual Catholics bear responsibility for forming their own consciences and beliefs in ways that reflect Christian values of truth, justice, and charity. This means resisting the temptation to embrace beliefs simply because they are emotionally compelling or because they are held by people we admire or trust. Fear represents a powerful motivator that can push people toward believing conspiracy theories without careful evaluation of evidence. When we feel anxious about the state of the world or about our lack of control over events, conspiracy theories can provide comfort by offering an explanation and identifying something to blame. The Church teaches that Christians should not be ruled by fear but should instead cultivate the virtue of hope grounded in faith in God’s goodness and providence. This does not mean ignoring genuine problems or pretending that injustice does not occur. Rather, it means maintaining confidence that truth and goodness can ultimately prevail and that working toward justice through proper means produces meaningful results. Catholics should examine the sources of their beliefs and ask themselves whether they have adopted beliefs based on evidence and reasoning or whether they have accepted them based on emotion and tribal belonging. They should consider whether their beliefs encourage them to withdraw from participation in society or whether they inspire constructive engagement toward improving the common good. They should notice when their beliefs depend on assuming the worst about people they do not know personally and when they encourage distrust of everyone in a particular group. The process of conscious formation involves regular reflection on how our beliefs shape our attitudes and actions. When we discover that our beliefs lead us toward fear, anger, or withdrawal, we should reconsider whether those beliefs actually align with truth and with Christian values.

Building Community and Trust

Catholic social teaching emphasizes the importance of building healthy communities based on mutual trust and shared commitment to the common good. Communities function best when members believe they can work together toward shared goals and when they trust that others generally have good intentions. When conspiracy thinking becomes widespread, it corrodes the social trust that communities need to function. If people believe that hidden forces manipulate events and that their fellow citizens are either conspirators or duped, they lose the ability to work together effectively. This breakdown of trust has real consequences for people’s lives and their ability to address collective problems. Healthy communities require that members assume good faith in each other and work through differences using reasoning and persuasion. This does not mean accepting everything others claim without evaluation, but it does mean beginning from a presumption of good faith rather than suspicion. It means treating people as persons deserving respect rather than as either villains or victims of manipulation. Catholics can contribute to building healthier communities by modeling this kind of trust-based engagement in their personal relationships and civic interactions. They can listen to people with different perspectives and look for common ground rather than assuming that disagreements reflect malicious intent. They can share reliable information with others and encourage the pursuit of truth over the comfort of preferred narratives. They can acknowledge genuine problems in government or society while maintaining confidence that working through democratic processes can produce improvements. These personal efforts toward building trust and community reflect Catholic social teaching and contribute to a healthier civic culture.

Addressing Legitimate Government Concerns

While the “deep state” conspiracy theory itself lacks strong evidential support, this does not mean that all concerns about government functioning are baseless. Legitimate concerns about government performance and accountability deserve serious consideration and response. Citizens might reasonably worry about whether government responds adequately to the needs of ordinary people or whether government power has grown too large. They might question whether particular agencies have become inefficient or whether certain policies produce unjust outcomes. They might be concerned about corruption or about whether elected officials truly represent the people who voted for them. These concerns reflect normal democratic discourse and should be addressed through thoughtful policy debates and reforms. However, addressing legitimate concerns requires diagnosing problems accurately and proposing realistic solutions. If the real problem is that a government agency is not functioning effectively, the solution involves examining that agency’s operations, management, and budget, then proposing reforms. It might involve changing laws that constrain the agency, providing additional resources for training and modernization, or restructuring the agency’s operations. It might involve appointing new leadership or changing policies. These concrete responses work through existing democratic processes. By contrast, blaming a hidden “deep state” for problems does not lead to any workable solutions. If we accurately identify specific problems in government and propose specific reforms grounded in evidence and reasoning, we are far more likely to create meaningful improvements. Catholic social teaching supports this kind of targeted problem-solving focused on achieving justice and promoting the common good through available democratic means.

The Importance of Civic Education

A well-functioning democracy requires that citizens understand how their government actually operates and what mechanisms exist for democratic participation and accountability. Unfortunately, many people have limited understanding of government structure and processes, and this lack of knowledge makes them vulnerable to misinformation and conspiracy theories. Civic education represents an important means of addressing this problem. When people understand that elected leaders appoint political officials to important positions, that Congress has oversight power over government agencies, that courts review government actions, and that media and citizens can access information through freedom of information requests, they have a more accurate understanding of how power flows through government. They recognize that accountability mechanisms exist even if those mechanisms are imperfect. This understanding does not eliminate all concerns about government, but it makes them less likely to embrace elaborate conspiracy theories. Catholic schools and parishes have opportunities to contribute to civic education by helping young people understand government and encouraging their participation in democratic processes. Parents and teachers can discuss how government works, explain current events in ways that encourage thinking rather than emotional reaction, and model thoughtful engagement with civic issues. They can help young people develop the habit of seeking evidence for claims and of evaluating complex information carefully. They can encourage participation in democratic processes and discussion of different policy approaches. This kind of education supports both the development of individual conscience and the functioning of democratic communities.

Final Reflections on Faith and Citizenship

Catholic faith teaches that Christians live in this world while maintaining hope for eternal life with God. This perspective shapes how we relate to earthly concerns including government and politics. We should care about justice and the common good, working to build better societies through our participation and effort. At the same time, we recognize that earthly governments are imperfect and that true fulfillment cannot be found in political success or control. This balanced perspective protects us from both cynical withdrawal from civic life and from religious-like devotion to political movements or leaders. The Church teaches that we should engage with our government thoughtfully and conscientiously, seeking to promote justice and the common good through lawful means. We should also avoid fear-driven thinking that causes us to abandon reason and truth-seeking in favor of conspiracy theories. We should practice the virtues of prudence and intellectual honesty, forming our beliefs on the basis of evidence and reasoning rather than on emotion and suspicion. We should build communities based on trust and mutual respect while maintaining the ability to disagree about policy matters. We should participate actively in democratic processes while also maintaining perspective about what government can and cannot accomplish. By approaching citizenship in this way, we fulfill the Church’s teaching about our responsibilities in civil society. We contribute to building a political culture based on truth, justice, and the common good rather than on fear, suspicion, and hidden conspiracy. This approach aligns our actions with Christian values and produces better outcomes for our communities than abandoning reason and democratic engagement in favor of conspiracy thinking.