Government is the means by which a society organizes its collective goals and allocates authority in order to accomplish them. Governments may be based on democratic or non-democratic systems, and they usually involve some kind of constitution that sets out the governing principles and philosophy. Modern classification systems identify two main types of governments, democracies and totalitarian regimes, as well as a variety of hybrid forms. Governments are normally structured so that power is shared between branches, which include the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This separation of powers is designed to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful, and the way the branches interact with each other is known as the system of checks and balances.
Governments have many responsibilities towards their citizens. Among them are forming effective legislation, providing civic amenities like schools and roads, and maintaining a robust defense force. They also regulate public access to common goods, such as wildlife and natural resources, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance of using them.
All nations need some form of government in order to manage the economy and ensure the safety of their people. They also need it to provide benefits for their citizens, which often include healthcare and education. Governments can be found at the local, state, and national level. Those at the local and state levels generally have councils of elected officials that help with day-to-day activities. They also help manage a budget, which includes determining how much money to spend and where it should be spent.
At the federal level, the president governs the country through a system of checks and balances with Congress. He can veto laws created by Congress, and Congress can override that veto with a majority vote. He also nominates heads of federal agencies, and Congress approves or rejects those nominations. Likewise, the Supreme Court and other federal courts evaluate the legality of laws passed by Congress.
The Constitution of the United States sets forth a bicameral legislature, which is made up of a smaller upper house and a larger lower house. Both chambers make state laws and fulfill other governing responsibilities. The upper house is commonly called the Senate, and the lower house is often referred to as the House of Representatives. Each chamber has different terms, and the members of each are chosen in a specific way.
In addition to these roles, the federal government has an executive branch, which consists of the Vice President and heads of executive departments and independent agencies. The executive branch also conducts diplomacy with other countries, and negotiates and ratifies treaties. It also appoints the Supreme Court and other federal judges, who must be confirmed by Congress. This allows the legislative and judicial branches to check the executive branch by ensuring that the President has the support of Congress before making major decisions. The system of checks and balances also applies to the states.