First Principles of Business Law

1.1. Defining 'government'

What is the meaning of the word ‘government’?

In one sense, the government of a state means the institutions or organs through which the power to rule is exercised.   Examples of organs of government are: a head of state; an executive; law courts; and law-making bodies called ‘legislatures’.  The power to rule is normally divided between these institutions.

In a narrower sense, the word government is used to refer to the particular political party or parties that are currently in power in a state, and the elected representatives, appointees and employees who occupy positions within the organs of government. 

As long as these two possible meanings are kept in mind, the sense in which the word government is used can normally be understood from its context.