What Is Government and Why Do We Have It?
The ruling authority for a community is a government. People have formed
governments for hundreds of years. There are several different types of
government in the world. Our country’s government is called a representative
democracy, which means that the people rule through elected officials.
Governments help keep order and provide security. Governments make laws
to prevent conflicts. They have the power to enforce the laws, so they can settle
conflicts that arise. Governments help provide security for their citizens. They
help defend citizens and their land from enemies. They do this by setting up armed
forces and other organizations that keep tabs on possible sources of trouble.
Another purpose of government is to make public policy. Public policy defines
community goals and sets up ways to reach these goals. When community leaders
set goals such as protecting consumers, they are making public policy goals. When
they pass laws or make guidelines to meet these goals, they are making public
policy. Public policy usually includes the need for money. Because governments have
limited amounts of money, they have to use it wisely. To do so, governments make
up a budget, or a plan for collecting and spending money. Governments also have to
work to develop relations with other communities and countries. Good relations are
necessary for trade, travel, and agreements between communities, states, or
countries.
In the space below, summarize the above in one paragraph. Your paragraph should
be at least four to five sentences. Be sure to identify the type of government the United
States has and two reasons why we have government.