The major functions of government are law making, policy formulation and implementation, provision of national leadership, protecting the rights of citizens, maintenance of internal law and order, protection against external enemies, external relations, promotion of economic and social welfare.
Let’s now explain, into some detail, the functions of government in the state. These refer to the role, or need for a government, in every state. You may as well refer to them as the importance of government as an institution.
Apart from identifying the various functions of government, we shall also point out the key institutions of government that carry out these functions.
Find below the major functions of government.
1. Enactment of Laws:
Government enacts laws to regulate the behavior of the citizens and to prevent anarchy or a state of lawlessness.
Laws made by a civilian government are called acts of parliament On the other hand, laws coming from military or authoritarian governments are known as decrees.
In a democracy, it is the legislative arm of government or parliament that makes laws. But the head of state or president must sign such laws to make them effective.
2. Policy Formulation and Implementation
This is a major administrative function of government. On a daily basis, the government is actively drawing and implementing the policies in its party manifesto.
Examples are economic policies, social policies and policies relating to agriculture, health and industry.
To be able do so effectively, the executive branch of government relies on the expertise of the civil service and other state agencies.
The established ministries or departments (US), play an active role in the execution of this function of government.
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3. Maintenance of Law and Order
Law enforcement is among the functions of government. This function of govenment ensures internal peace and security.
The government maintains law and order through state security agencies such as the police and immigration services.
In extreme cases, the government may deploy sections of the the armed forces to restore law and order.
4. Administration of Justice
One other function of government as an institution is administration of justice. This helps in the protection of the basic rights and liberties of all living in the state.
The judiciary is given the power under every democratic constitution to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, be they citizens or foreigners.
Again, the police and other law enforcement agencies assist the judiary in the performance of its duties.
5. Protection Against External Aggression
The three major branches of the armed forces namely the army, navy and the air force are primarily responsible for protecting the state against any external enemy.
In almost every country, there is a ministry or department of defence which co-ordinates the activities of the security agencies.
6. Foreign Policy
Among the major functions of government is the establishment and implementation of the country’s foreign policy. The office of the chief executive (president, prime minister or monarch) is directly responsible for directing foreign policy.
Acting through a ministry of external or foreign affairs, the government appoints ambassadors to other countries.
It also receives foreign envoys to the country. In addition, it signs and ratifies treaties and international agreements.
7. Creation of Employment Opportunities
In most countries, government directly or indirectly creates jobs for citizens. This may be done through policy initiatives that enable the private sector to create new job opportunities.
In some cases, governments take an active part in economic activities by establishing businesses as a means to boosting employment opportunities.
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The numerous government ministries, departments and agencies are also a ready source of employment for a large segment of the working population. Examples include teachers, nurses, drivers, security personnel and administrators.
8. Provision of Social Amenities and Economic Infrastructure
Health care, education, housing, water, transport, electricity and recreational facilities are just a few of the many public services that governments all over the world render to their citizens.
The goal is to promote social welfare and the economic well-being of the citizenry.
9. Provision of National Leadership
Above all, it is the responsibility of the goverment to provide leadership to the people all the time.
Individuals who hold positions such as president, prime minister, head of state or monarch are given official recognition, resources and powers to carry out the necessary leadership functions of government.
It is for this reason that the people look up to the government for assistance and direction during national emergences such as natural disasters.
The leadership role of government also makes it serve as the symbol of the state.
Final thoughts
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