Subject Matter of Government: Meaning, Functions and Relevance

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Introduction

The word government is derived from the Latin word gubernare, which means “to steer,” “to direct,” or “to control.” This origin reflects the essential purpose of government as the institution responsible for directing the affairs of the state and ensuring order within society. Government therefore refers to the machinery through which the legislative, executive, judicial and administrative functions of the state are carried out.

In a broader sense, government can be understood as the organized authority through which laws are made, implemented, and interpreted for the maintenance of peace, order, justice, and the general well-being of society. It is the instrument through which the will and objectives of the state are formulated and realized. Supporting this view, Appadorai (1975) defines government as “the agency or machinery through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and realized.”

Government also represents the political authority of a state. It includes the institutions and structures responsible for making decisions binding on all members of society. These institutions are generally divided into three major organs:

  • The Legislature, responsible for law-making;
  • the Executive, responsible for implementing laws and policies; and
  • the Judiciary, responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

The importance of government in human society cannot be overemphasized. According to Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), a society without government would degenerate into a chaotic “state of nature” where life would become “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” Hobbes therefore argued that individuals willingly surrender part of their freedoms to a governing authority in exchange for protection and social order.

Indeed, no society can survive for long without some form of organized government. Whether democratic or authoritarian, centralized or decentralized, every society requires a governing structure capable of maintaining stability, protecting lives and property, and coordinating collective activities.


Major Interpretations of Government

Scholars generally explain government from three major perspectives:

  1. Government as a body or institution of governance
  2. Government as an art or process of governing
  3. Government as an academic field of study


1. Government as a Body or Institution of Governance

Government as an institution of governance refers to the organized structure established to direct, regulate, and control the affairs of the state. It is the body vested with legitimate authority to make decisions, formulate policies, enact laws, and ensure compliance within society.

In every modern state, governmental institutions are broadly categorized into formal institutions, such as the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary; and informal institutions, such as political parties, pressure groups, labor unions and the mass media.

The formal institutions are constitutionally recognized and directly involved in governance, while the informal institutions influence public opinion and political decision-making indirectly.

Government as an institution is necessary because it transforms the state from an abstract idea into a practical and functioning reality. Without government, the state would merely exist as a geographical expression without coordination or authority. Government regulates relationships among individuals, protects fundamental human rights, maintains law and order, and safeguards citizens against both internal and external aggression.

For example, in Nigeria, institutions such as the National Assembly, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court collectively perform governmental functions necessary for national administration. Similarly, agencies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) help sustain democratic governance through electoral administration.

According to Hobbes, individuals submit themselves to governmental authority because only a well-organized government can prevent chaos and insecurity. In this sense, government exists to ensure peaceful coexistence and social stability.


2. Government as an Art or Process of Governing

Government can also be understood as the process through which state affairs are managed and administered. This interpretation focuses not merely on institutions themselves, but on how governmental functions are carried out.

The process of governing involves the interaction among the three arms of government:

Legislature

Executive

Judiciary

Each arm performs distinct but interrelated responsibilities essential for effective governance.

The legislature is responsible for making laws that regulate society. Law-making is a highly systematic process involving debates, committee reviews, public hearings and voting procedures.

Laws are expected to promote justice, order and public welfare rather than serve personal or sectional interests. For example, the Nigerian National Assembly debates and passes bills relating to taxation, education, security and constitutional amendments.

The legislature also performs oversight functions by monitoring the activities of the executive arm to prevent abuse of power and corruption.


The executive arm on the other hand is responsible for implementing laws and policies formulated by the legislature. It includes the President, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners and various administrative agencies.

The executive mobilizes human and material resources necessary for governance. For instance, when the legislature passes an annual budget, the executive ensures the allocation and utilization of funds for projects such as road construction, healthcare delivery and educational development.

The executive also manages national security through institutions like the military and police force.

However, policy implementation is often challenged by corruption, bureaucratic delays, inadequate funding and political interference.


The judiciary performs the critical role of interpreting laws and settling disputes. It acts as an impartial arbiter between individuals, organizations and government institutions.

Courts ensure that laws are applied fairly and constitutionally. Through judicial review, the judiciary can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional if they violate constitutional provisions.

For example, the Supreme Court of Nigeria frequently adjudicates electoral disputes and constitutional matters that shape the country’s democratic process.

The judiciary therefore serves as the guardian of justice, rule of law and citizens’ rights.


3. Government as an Academic Field of Study

Government is also studied as an academic discipline concerned with political institutions, governance systems, public policies, and power relations within society.

At the secondary school level, it is studied as Government, while in higher institutions it is generally referred to as Political Science.

As a field of study, government examines political behavior, public administration, law-making processes, conflict resolution, political ideologies and international relations.

Government as an academic field of studies also include several sub-disciplines such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public administration, local government studies and political economy. 

Furthermore, government interacts with other disciplines including sociology, economics, psychology, geography, history and philosophy. This interdisciplinary nature helps students understand human behavior and societal organization from multiple perspectives.

The study of government develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, leadership skills and political awareness. It also prepares individuals for careers in public service, diplomacy, journalism, academia and law.


The Relevance of the Study of Government

Human society is complex and dynamic. Understanding how societies are organized and governed is therefore essential for maintaining peace, justice, and development. The study of government provides valuable knowledge about political institutions, governance processes, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities.

Below are some major reasons why the study of government is important.


1. The study of government helps the people to take part in the art of governance or in political decision making of the country. e.g. voting during election, public opinion, pressure groups etc. are all forms of political participation


2. The study of government gives opportunities for the people to know how conflict originates and how they are resolved both locally and internationally. For instance, the political conflict between Chris Ngige and Chris Uba in Anambra State was widely linked to political godfatherism.

Similarly, international conflicts such as the Iraq War involved political and economic interests disguised under security concerns. Understanding these issues helps societies develop peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.


3. The study of government provides political education to the citizens of a country. In this way, the citizens can understand the activities of government and their knowledge can be improved in giving political judgment and assessment. In that instance, the study of government widens people's knowledge about the administration and institution of government


4. The knowledge obtained from the study of government as an academic field, helps to develop specialist, academicians and professionals who make their living from it.


5. The study of government helps to know and understand different forms and system of government in various nations of the world, based on certain peculiarities and values of the people. For example, Nigeria operates a federal presidential system because of its ethnic and cultural diversity.


6. The study of government enlightens the citizens about their rights, duties and obligation, which they owe the state and to which they are entitled by the government. For instance, the fundamental human rights, obedience to national authority etc. are understood through the study of government. Section 32-42 and 33-43 of Nigeria 1989 and 1999 constitution respectively, provided for this right, but this may not be recognized without adequate study of government.


7. The knowledge of government gives opportunities for the people to understand how laws are made, executed and interpreted, as well as, the relevance of those laws; e.g. stages before laws are made, the relationship between different arms of government and levels of government etc. Be that as it is, the importance and the relevance of the study of government cannot be overemphasized



Functions of Modern Government 

1. Employment opportunity to the citizens: Government is the major employee of labour hence, the government gainfully employs both skill and unskilled labours. Perhaps, this explains why some advanced countries like USA, Britain etc often pay employment allowance to the citizens who have not been gainfully employed.


2. Promotion of welfare services: It is the duty of government to provide some basic services to the people, especially those services which are too costly but are necessary, such as free medical cares, good roads, electricity, adequate water supply etc. It is imperative to note that irrespective of the system of government being practiced in a state, the above services must be provided for the citizens. According to the formal minister of orientation and information, Professor Jerry Gana, if democracy does not produce water, electricity, transform agriculture, democracy will lose its credibility and our people may say "Say Na Democracy will go chop" This further shows the essence of social amenities to the survival and decent existence of the people.


3. Law making and policy formulation: The government makes the rules and regulations that ensure the peaceful co-existence of people in the society. Not only that, government also help to formulate policy and of course, such government often ensure the execution and implementation of such policy to meet its stated goals. (Legislature and Executive help to do this).


4. Economic function: To bring economic benefits to the citizenry, government do invest directly or indirectly in the economy of the state such investment includes the purchasing of goods, operating industries, establishment of parastatals, promoting services and promoting different economic activities generally.


5. Protection of lives and properties: It is compulsory for every government to maintain security of the state, maintain order and protect life and property, as well as protect the citizens from both internal and external aggression. This explains why Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 - 1527) asserted that, "government should do anything possible to ensure the survival, stability and continuity of the state". From the perspective of John lock (1603-1704), the ends of government are to preserve life, liberty and property


6. Political functions: Governments helps to conduct periodic election, free and fair elections to ensure smooth and peaceful change of government and stability in the society.


7. Maintenance of good neighbourliness: This emphasizes the good conduct and promotion of international relations by the government, since no nation is absolutely independent. Hence, the governments of a country try to relate with the other countries of the world to seek those objectives which cannot be attained within its domain. This explains why Nigeria promotes peaceful relation in Africa and the entire world. However, the inability of Nigeria to declare war on Cameroon over Bakassi-peninsula is not unconnected with this factor.


8. Government also helps to administer justice: This is done through the impartial judiciary. That is, it is the duty of the law court to settle dispute and administers justice. In that instance, prisons are established and equipped for the punishment of offenders and criminals.


Conclusion

Government is an indispensable institution in every organized society. It provides leadership, maintains order, protects lives and property, administers justice, and promotes social and economic development.

The study of government is equally important because it equips citizens with political knowledge, promotes civic responsibility, and enhances understanding of governance processes.

Without government, society would experience insecurity, confusion, disorder, and the survival of the fittest. Therefore, both government as an institution and the study of government remain essential for the stability and progress of human society.


Related articles 

The Concept of Politics: Meaning, Definitions and Relationship with the Economy

Politics and Ethics: The Moral Challenges of Governance

SCIENCE OF POLITICS (POLITICS AS SCIENCE)

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