Discuss the importance of government as an institution of the state.

Answer Details

Importance of government as an institution of the state

Government is the machinery or institution through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and carried out. Its importance includes the following:

1. Maintenance of law and order: Government makes and enforces laws, and through the police and courts it maintains peace, punishes offenders and protects life and property.
2. Protection of the state from external aggression: Through the armed forces, government defends the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state against invasion.
3. Provision of social amenities and welfare: Government provides essential services such as roads, water, electricity, education and health facilities for the well-being of the citizens.
4. Promotion of economic development: It formulates and implements economic policies, regulates trade and industry, collects revenue and manages the economy for growth and prosperity.
5. Protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens: Government safeguards the fundamental human rights of the people and provides avenues for redress when rights are violated.
6. Settlement of disputes and administration of justice: Through the judiciary, government resolves conflicts between individuals and between citizens and the state.
7. Conduct of external relations: Government represents the state abroad, enters into treaties and promotes the interests of the state in the international community.
8. Regulation of the conduct of citizens: It sets standards of behaviour, controls the use of resources and organises society for orderly and harmonious living.

In sum, without government the state would collapse into anarchy; government is therefore indispensable for the survival, order and progress of the state.