Written by Government can be defined as a political entity that is in charge of managing and overseeing both the internal and exterior affairs of a state.
The following are the functions of government:
1. Lawmaking: This is one of the most basic functions of government.
The government, through its legislative branch, makes laws that guide every activity of the state.
The law made by the government guides the behaviour and action of the citizens as well as the government itself.
Anyone who breaks the law may face punishment, which can range from payment of fines to death by hanging
2. Maintenance of law and order: This is yet another essential function of government.
The government maintains laws and order in the state through the police and armed forces.
The executive branch of government is primarily responsible for enforcing laws and ensuring that everyone in society abides by the rules that are made by the legislature.
3. Protect citizens’ rights: The government, through its judiciary branch, protects the rights of citizens.
The two major functions of the judiciary are interpreting laws and settling disputes between two warring parties.
If a citizen feels his rights have been encroached upon, he can seek redress in a court of law.
Because of this, the government upholds citizens’ rights.
4. Defense of the state: The government protects the nation from both internal and external aggressors who could cause loss of life or property.
For instance, the government typically uses the police to deal with threats to life and property posed by internal aggressors.
Furthermore, the government may deploy the armed forces against external threats to the life and property of its citizens.
5. Developing and sustaining a stable economy: Creating and sustaining a stable economy is another crucial function of government.
Macroeconomic policies are often developed by the government with the goals of achieving full employment, price stability, and steady economic growth and development.
Every government, for instance, aims to develop policies that will make doing business easier and attract foreign investment to the country.
If a government fails in its economic responsibilities, it could lead to an economic crisis, which would prompt citizens to demand the government be overthrown.
6. Provision of employment opportunities: Government also provides economic opportunities for the citizens of a country.
The government creates employment opportunities for its citizens by employing them in various political and administrative positions.
The government also creates employment opportunities by engaging in various enterprises, which boosts both national output and employment.
7. Settles disputes: The government, through its judicial branch, can resolve disagreements between individuals or between individuals and the government.
As we’ve seen, people typically go to court to resolve their personal disputes.
In a similar vein, a citizen may request a court injunction to stop any government action if they do not agree with it.
8. Maintain international relations: No nation can live in isolation.
As a result, a government must engage in and maintain diplomatic relations with other nations.
Hence, there is a need for a government to interact and maintain foreign relations with other countries.
The government develops and implements foreign diplomatic policy.
To maintain foreign relations, the president or prime minister usually represents the country in other countries.
9. Generation of revenue: Given that governmental and other administrative activities usually come with huge costs, the government must find a way of generating adequate revenue for its operation.
One popular way a government achieves this is by levying taxes on goods and services.
Another way a government generate revenue is to charge private individuals fees for certain licenses.
For example, to collect a driver’s license in most countries, you have to pay a particular sum of money.
10. Provision of infrastructure: This is an important determinant of economic development.
In every part of the world, it is the responsibility of the government to build vital infrastructure facilities including railways, good road networks, effective communication systems, rail services, cutting-edge communication systems, reliable power supplies, effective healthcare systems, and effective educational systems.
All governments should make sure to provide this infrastructure since the caliber and quantity of infrastructural facilities a government develops can determine how effective (or ineffective) its macroeconomic policies are.
Conclusion
To emphasize, the functions of governnment is to make law, provide infrastructure, generate tax, provide employment opportunities for its citizens, and defend the state against both internal and external aggressors.
