In the simplest definition, a government is the leadership of a state. A government is a group of institutions that have the authority to make and implement decisions about public policy.

These decisions are usually related to the distribution of public resources and opportunities. Public resources include all the revenue that governments get from taxes, natural resources, and other public goods. Public opportunities include access to education, healthcare, and other social services.

Governments are also responsible for managing conflicts that result from this decision-making process and maintaining peace and security in society.