A government is an organization of people who are responsible for the direction of a community. Generally, this organization is a state. Governments have many functions, from ensuring peace and prosperity to regulating economics and law. In addition, governments are a means to resolve disputes, and are necessary for the proper functioning of a community.
One way to determine the type of government you want is to look at how the public feels about various programs. Most people find government to be frustrating and poorly run. In fact, only 20% of respondents believe the federal government is doing a good job of running its programs, while 59% say it needs major reform. Of course, views of government vary by region.
Governments provide public goods that people can use, such as public education and national security. The government also provides free public services, such as mail service and food, as well as public transportation. No private company can provide these services, and no private company can pay for military personnel. For example, a fire department will not ask for payment to put out a house fire, and the police will not ask for money when they arrest an intruder.
Governments evolved when people realized that group protection was easier than individual protection. Since groups had different interests and responsibilities, it became natural to elect one person who could exercise more authority than others. This is what we know today as a democracy. Governments are important, but they do not define what is right. We have to acknowledge that governments exist to create rules that govern our lives, and different types of governments have crafted a wide variety of rules over time.
The structure of government is divided into two main parts: the legislative and executive branches. The legislative branch drafts legislation and confirms presidential nominations to federal positions. The legislative branch also has the power to declare war and regulate interstate commerce. In addition, it is responsible for taxing and spending policies. The president and members of the legislature are elected by the American people.
The United States has a bicameral legislature. There are two chambers, one upper and one lower, which make laws and perform other governing functions. While most government agencies are non-partisan, some have a political agenda. Their work may change depending on which political party holds the majority. Moreover, many government agencies may work in cooperation with other government agencies or non-government entities.
A recent survey found that public opinion about government and politics is divided. Only 19% of Americans say they can trust government. Similarly, 55% of those with political attitudes believe ordinary Americans could solve their nation’s problems better than government officials.