Summary
Highlights
This lesson introduces the concept of government, its functions, and the reasons for studying it. The instructor emphasizes that there isn't one single definition of government, and the class will explore it through three main perspectives.
Government can be defined as: 1) A body or agency that makes, interprets, and enforces laws in a state. 2) The study of political institutions and theories related to the acquisition and use of political power. 3) The act or process of carrying out the day-to-day administration of a state's affairs.
Government as an institution refers to the legally established institutions and structures manage state affairs. Examples include the executive (President), legislature (Parliament), and judiciary (courts), along with other bodies like the police and human rights commissions. These institutions provide social services, create employment opportunities, maintain international relations, and ensure law and order.
Government is taught as a social science subject in schools and colleges, often referred to as political science or political studies in higher education. It involves studying political institutions, theories, international relations, political economy, conflict resolution, local government, public administration, and comparative politics.
This definition refers to the day-to-day administration of a state's affairs, carried out by the three organs of government: the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This includes activities like executive members traveling to perform essential duties or initiate projects beneficial to citizens.
The instructor reiterates that there isn't a single common definition for government, and any of the three discussed definitions (body enforcing laws, study of political power, or act of governing) can be used to describe it.