Government is the institution that directs the future of a nation and influences how resources are allocated, markets operate and societal needs are met. It addresses market failures, ensures stability and promotes social welfare. Government intervention can be a necessary complement to free markets. Governmental policies & regulations help address societal problems that are unavoidable in the marketplace and can have adverse consequences without targeted intervention.
Foucault’s interest in government arose from his understanding of power as a practical activity. He defined ‘governmentality’ as the set of techniques and practices that constitute reality for those who govern, so that they can act upon it and transform it to achieve their ends.
Government consists of the legislative branch (that makes laws), the executive branch (that enforces the law) and the judicial branch (that interprets the law). The Constitution established these three separate branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, by creating a system of checks and balances.
The executive branch has 15 executive departments, each headed by a member of the President’s Cabinet. It also includes independent agencies such as the CIA and the Environmental Protection Agency that are not part of the Cabinet, but still have full Presidential authority. There are also non-ministerial public bodies – these have a different status, and include organisations like the Charity Commission that provide services rather than decide policy.
The legislative branch has two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate. Bills must pass both chambers to become laws. Once a bill has passed both houses, it is then sent to the executive branch for consideration. The President may approve legislation by signing it, or he/she can choose to reject the bill by vetoing it. Congress can then override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote of both chambers.