A government is the group of people who make decisions about how a nation should be run. There are many different kinds of governments, but all have the same basic function: to lead and protect their citizens. Governments have been around for about four thousand years and they vary widely in how they look, act and feel. They may be democratic, authoritarian or some combination of both. Some have a focus on liberty, equality and justice; others prioritize national security or wealth creation. Some use military force to promote their ideals; others rely on taxes and regulation to control the economy.

In a democracy, the people decide what government policy should be through elections. The people elect representatives to represent them in the parliament or senate, and these representatives make laws. There is also a judicial branch which evaluates the laws and ensures that they are fair and just. The executive branch is responsible for implementing the policies of the legislative branch and includes the President, Vice President and heads of departments.

Governments provide goods and services for the people, such as education, public transportation and healthcare. They may also provide protection from external threats. They also set moral standards for the country, such as rules about sexual intercourse or drug usage. Governments can also impose property taxes and compel citizens to pay them. Governments can be very expensive, and people who buy, sell, import or invest are usually required to pay some kind of tax in order to help pay for them.

Because of their immense power and resources, governments can create and enforce laws and compel people to obey them. They can also raise money through taxation, which they then use to provide goods and services for their citizens. Governments also work with other countries to solve problems and disputes and trade with each other.

Almost every place on Earth has a government and most places have more than one. The only exceptions are places that follow traditions instead of government rules, small border disputed areas and Antarctica, which has no human population.