Government is just a word for the things we choose to do together

I really like the way the Honest Courtesan links to various government abuses by using that ridiculous phrase, so I have decided to do the same:

1. Traffic tickets in Florida for those speeding to the hospital.

2. Doubling down on out-of-control joggers in Austin.

As to the phrase itself, "choose" seems like an odd word for an institution is fundamental feature is a monopoly on the legal use of violence.