 While Hayek’s use of the term “legitimate” is imprecise and may only somewhat overlap with the use of the term in contemporary political philosophy, he apparently thinks that governments are morally required to engage in welfare-state measures. Governments should pursue poverty relief not only because it is beneficial but because it is the right thing to do. Hayek worries that social safety nets can get out of control, but he supports them anyway (Caldwell 2004: 291).