Discussion about such matters brings about exposure, and it helps most times too to prepare the minds of the people about what they are to face, or better yet, iron out ways to tackle the government to do the right thing.
Its always easy talking about government affairs and it's funny how some citizens will say that if they were in the position they would do this and that. Thats a bullshit. It seems everyone is blinded by personal ambition which is greed. That is why I cant be seen not in public or private discussing government affairs.
No don't say that discussing about government affairs doesn't help her citizen because one thing you should know is that government starts from you and i and you might be opportune to become a leader tomorrow so discussing about issues that relates to the government will give you a good sense of reasoning if an opportunity comes for you to become part of the arms of government that are concerned in decision making of a country.
However, regardless that government don't mostly make decisions to favour her citizens all the time but it doesn't mean we should completely exonerate ourselves from discussions concerning how the government should be runned. The most problems that is being faced with the government is mainly bribery and corruption otherwise i see no reason why someone who mean well for the development of their country will assume a public office and do things contrary to the original agenda they had in mind or to the campaign promises they made before they were elected.