Government as an institution of the state can be defined as the “machinery” created by the state to maintain order in the state, regulate its affairs and manage its various functions and responsibilities.
Bringing people together to live in society leads to the need to create an organization (government) that will deal with the administration of society. If a state existed without this type of organism (government), such a state would be said to be anarchy.
The government as a state institution consists of three organs:
1. Executive branch: This body formulates guidelines and implements them
2.Legislature: This body makes the law
3- Judicial power – The judicial power is the body that interprets the law.
*Government as an art of government
Government is defined as the art of governing because it is the body that has the highest authority in the affairs of the state. (Concerned Government, CC Dibie, August 2008)
The ultimate power of the state lies with the government, which gives it the power to make and enforce laws and implement policies. The government can also punish any member of society who breaks the law. The principle of separation of powers helps the government to ensure effective administration.
* Government as a subject of study
Governance is also a subject, more precisely a social science subject, studied in various educational institutions (primary, secondary and higher educational institutions). At universities we talk about political science. Government studies include a range of international relations, comparative politics, public administration, etc.
For further reading, consult Essential Government, C. C. Dibie, August 2008, Tonad Publishers