Government
A government is a political organization that attempts to maintain control of a territory. The modern standard unit of territory comprises a state. "State" may also be used to refer to the government of the state itself.
Within a state, subnational entities may have local governments
which do not have the full power of a national government. "Control" involves activities
such as collecting taxes, controlling entry and exit to the state, preventing encroachment of territory by neighbouring states and preventing the establishment of alternative governments within the state.
Governments use a variety of methods to maintain control, such as
police and military forces (particular under despotism, see also
police state), making agreements with other states and maintaining
support within the state. Typical methods of maintaining support include
providing justice, administration and social welfare, claiming support of
deities, providing benefits to influential groups, holding elections
for important posts within the state, limiting the power of the
state through laws and constitutions and appealing to
nationalism.
Various forms of government have been implemented or proposed. A government in a developed state is likely to have various
sub-organisations known as offices or departments which are headed by politically appointed officials, often called ministers or secretaries.
Ministers may in theory act as advisors to the head of state, but in practice have a certain amount of direct power in specific areas. In most modern democracies, the elected legislative assembly has the power to dismiss the government, though the head of state generally has great latitude in appointing a new one.
See also politics, political philosophy, political science, cabinet, executive, legislature, Westminster system, egovernment
For alternate topics of government check out Governmental Questions