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Healthcare and education top the list. A healthy and well educated population is a more productive and, ultimately, more prosperous populace.
Security comes next. Emergency services are obviously important. Then comes civil engineering for roads, sewers and the like. After that comes military. A strong defensive force is important, and things like educational incentives encourage more young people to defend their country.
Note the emphasis on defence.
Last but not least is social services. I believe that a society can best be judged by how it takes care of those least able to take care of themselves.
I'm probably missing a whole big pile of stuff, but those are the most important responsibilities in my mind. Note that these are the responsibilities of a state as a whole; the government exists only to implement and guide these things, and is ultimately beholden to the will of those governed.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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