Government

/ ˈɡʌv.ən.mənt / noun /

RE: DEMOCRACY, INSTITUTIONS, LAW, POLITICS, POWER

A government is the system in charge of running a country, region, or local area. It makes decisions that affect everyday life – from setting school curriculums and building roads to deciding taxes and making laws. Governments are responsible for keeping order, protecting rights, and providing services like healthcare, education, and public transport.

Most governments are made up of three main parts, called branches, each with its own job:

1. The executive branch carries out the laws and manages day-to-day operations. This includes the prime minister, president, or cabinet ministers.

2. The legislative branch makes the laws. This usually means parliament or congress, where elected representatives debate and vote on policies.

3. The judicial branch interprets the law and makes sure it is applied fairly. This includes courts and judges, who can settle disputes or check if laws break a constitution.

Governments can look very different around the world – some are elected in free and fair elections, while others are controlled by a small group or a single leader. The way a government works affects how power is shared, how decisions are made, and how much say people have in shaping their future.

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