I would like to specify that interactions with 'government' are always interactions with people employed by government. Around here, many of those folks are neighbors (I live in quite a small village). When you live in a village it's pretty much guaranteed that everyone is gonna know what's up with their neighbors.

Developing a good relationship with neighbors isn't only a good idea just to help keep the peace on good days. In the event that bad things happen - and they do from time to time - being someone all your neighbors are willing to check on might save your life. Having good working relationships with both neighbors and government also helps to limit the negative potential of disputes.

Besides, I like my neighbors. They're mostly pretty good, down to Earth folks. None of them, nor I, are free of foibles and flaws. Being on good terms helps keep those from being problems between us too.