Are capitalist for or against a federal government?

Capitalism is a broad term that refers to an economic system in which the means of production and industry is owned privately, either by a collective of shareholders or private owners, and operated as a business for their private profit. It is the opposite of socialism. Therefore, different capitalist ideologies have different opinions of the Federal Government and the role it should play.

Capitalists themselves are motivated by profit: they don't care if the Federal Government is their costumer or if they receive benefits from the Federal Government in the form of corporate welfare or policies that support their business interests. Given that capitalists are the most influential and powerful people in capitalist society, the Federal Government is largely composed of pro-business staff who receive support in elections from business lobbies, or they are or were once capitalists themselves. Some wealthy capitalists, such as Bill Gates and George Soros, strongly support Federal Government programs that help everyone in society, not only the capitalists and business interests.

Classical Liberals / Libertarians favor a minimal government and a minimal state that only provides for basic services such as defense, enforcing contracts and protecting property rights.

Modern liberals / social liberals and advocates of mixed economies and welfare states accept more roles for the Federal Government, such as regulation of capitalism in order to protect consumers and workers, welfare programs to help the poor and disadvantaged in society and public services that benefit everyone.

Anarcho-Capitalists are against all forms of government, including the concept of the sovereign state itself. They believe that private business can provide all the services and functions the Federal Government currently does. Privately-run militaries that operate for a profit, courts that operate as business enterprises and all compete in markets are examples of what can replace government institutions.