What is Government?

Introduction: Defining a government

An organization that takes decisions and enacts laws on behalf of a country’s population is called a government. In this article, we will talk about what government is, its types, levels, and functions. First, we need to understand why a country needs a government.

• To make the best use of resources for the wellbeing of its population

• To establish regulations that will apply to everyone.

Functions of the government

• Making decisions and getting tasks accomplished: The very first function of the government of a country is to make decisions and get things done. These can include things like road and school construction and measures to enhance the availability of electricity, among other things. The government also makes a move on various social issues, including several programmes to assist the underprivileged
• Defending the country: The government’s responsibility is to safeguard the country’s borders and establish peaceful ties with foreign nations. As a result, protecting the country from foreign incursions and domestic aggressions is a vital function of government
• Emergency function: When environmental catastrophes strike, such as a tornado or an earthquake, the government is in charge of providing support and protection to the victims
• Resolving differences and disputes: People go to the courts to resolve their differences. Since the government also includes the courts, addressing people’s problems is likewise a function of government.

Governmental Levels

There are three levels of government:

• The very first level of government is the national level. At this level, the government deals with the country as a whole
• The second level of government is the state level. At this level, the government deals with states in particular, such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, etc., to name a few
• The third and last level of government is the local level. At this level, the government deals with towns, localities, and villages.

The Government and the Laws

• Governmental function: The government enacts laws that all the citizens must follow in the country
• Making decisions and enforcing them: The government has the authority to make and implement decisions. For instance, all drivers of motor vehicles are required by law to obtain a valid driving licence. Anyone caught driving a car without a licence faces a lengthy prison sentence or a hefty fine
• Remedy for the citizens: If they believe a law is not being obeyed, the country’s citizens can take specific steps. For instance, if individuals think they were not recruited for a position due to their religion or caste, they may go to court and allege that the government did not obey the law.

Types of Government

There are two main types of government. They are as follows:

• Governments enact legislation, establish rules and regulations, collect taxes, and print money
• Governments have judicial systems that identify illegal actions or behaviours and outline the penalties for breaching the law
• Governments have police forces to ensure that citizens respect the rules
• Governments have diplomats who meet with the governments of other nations to communicate. Diplomats attempt to resolve disputes or conflicts between two nations, which may aid in the avoidance of war, the formation of business agreements, and the sharing of cultural or social experiences and information
• Governments have a military force, such as an army, to safeguard their nation against terrorists and other big dangers that may attack or invade other countries
• A government’s leader may have advisers and ministers for several ministries. They are collectively referred to as the administration.

Democratic Governments

• Rule of the people: Democratic governments are governed by the people, who choose their leaders
• Basic Concept: In this, the people rule themselves by participating in creating rules
• Representative democracies: Citizens in representative democracies do not vote directly for their representatives, but rather choose them through an electoral process. These individuals assemble and make decisions that affect the overall population
• Universal adult franchise: Every adult in the country has the right to vote

(Historical injustice: There was a period when women and the impoverished were denied the right to vote in elections. Only a tiny fraction of Indians were able to vote before independence.)

Woman rights

• During the First World War, the government enhanced women’s struggle to vote. The term suffrage refers typically to the right to vote. Hence this movement is known as the women’s suffrage movement
• In 1920, American women were granted the right to vote
• In 1928, women in the United Kingdom were granted the same voting rights as males.

Conclusion

According to administrative law, a government is a collection of persons who have the authority to rule over a region. A nation, a state or province within a country, or a region may constitute this area. The government might be democratic, parliamentary, presidential, federal, or unitary.