The Government is the main agency of the state. It formulates, expresses and realises the will of the state and exercises legislative, executive and judicial powers based on the constitution and the laws. It has three organs – Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Governments are classified under Unitary, Federal, Parliamentary and Presidential forms.
1. Meaning and Nature of Government
- Government refers to the executive functions of the state. It denotes a body having authority to make and enforce laws applicable to civil, corporate, religious, academic or other groups.
- The term comes from the old French word "governor", derived from the Latin word "gubernare", which means to direct, rule, guide, govern.
Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom. The British monarchy is a constitutional monarchy: the Sovereign is Head of State, but the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.