Government as an institution of the state is a machinery through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and realised. Government in addition performs the following functions:
(I) Law-making: This is one of the functions and it includes execution.
(ii) Defence of the country: The essence of the armed forces (army, navy, air force) is to defend the country against external aggression and sustaining the territorial integrity of the state.
(iii) Maintenance of law and order: This is basically the functions of the police and law courts.
(iv) Administration of Justice: The law courts interpret the law and administer justice. Cases are treated according to their merits. The law courts can also punish offenders.
(v) Provision of social services: Provision of social amenities are basic functions of the government. Such amenities like pipe borne water, hospitals, electricity, roads, are however provided from the taxes the people pay.
(vi) Protection of lives and property: It is the duty of the government to protect lives and property of the citizens living in the country.
(vii) Provision of Job opportunities: Government should provide employment opportunities for its citizens. Some countries like Britain pay the citizens unemployment allowance.
(viii)Economic Function: Government has the responsibility of promoting and regulating economic activities in order to enhance growth and the atmosphere for investment.
(ix) Political functions: Government is involved here through the setting up of an external body to conduct elections leading to a peaceful change of government.