Government

By definition, a government is a group that exercises sovereign authority over a nation,

state, society or other body of people. Governments are generally responsible for making and

enforcing laws, managing currency, and protecting the populace from external threats, and may

have other duties or privileges. Governments also typically set tax rates, and

may regulate investment practices as well.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers three definitions of government:

1. 'the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc.'

2. 'a particular system used for controlling a country, state, etc.'

3. 'the process or manner of controlling a country, state, etc.'

Role of Government

The government is responsible for the conduct of national affairs. Its areas of responsibility are

stated in the constitution and include defence and foreign affairs; trade, commerce and currency;

immigration; postal services, telecommunications and broadcasting; most social services and

pensions. The government is also involved, in health, education, environmental issues which

includes agriculture and fishing among other things, industrial relations, etc.