Government is a group of people invested with the power to manage a political unit or organization—usually a State. Governments seek to accomplish goals that benefit the nation as a whole and provide benefits to its citizens. Depending on the type of government, its structure, and where it falls on the spectrum between democracy and authoritarianism, governments differ greatly.

Governments regulate access to “common goods” like natural resources, public lands and wildlife, and clean water. Common goods are limited in supply, so they must be protected so that some people cannot take all that is available and leave others with nothing. Governments also allocate funding to things that benefit local communities, such as building public schools, maintaining state roads and bridges, and managing the national parks. On the federal level, money is allocated for things such as defense, social security, pensions for veterans, and maintenance of federal courts and prisons. Representatives elected by the people try to secure funding for the things that matter most to them and their constituents.

The executive branch includes the President, cabinet members, and other high-ranking government officials. The legislative branch is the House of Representatives and Senate, which make laws and approve (or reject) the President’s nominees for judicial positions and departments (including those in the executive branch). The judiciary evaluates laws by hearing and making decisions on cases that reach the Supreme Court and other federal courts. The separation of powers between the three branches ensures that the government remains accountable to its citizens.