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A government is a political organization that attempts to maintain control of a territory, known as a state. "State" may also be used to refer to the government itself. In addition subnational entities may have local governments which do not have the full power of a national government. "Control" involves activities such as collecting taxes, controlling entry and exit to the state, preventing encroachment of territory by neighbouring states and preventing the establishment of alternative governments within the state.

Governments use a variety of methods to maintain control, such as military and police forces (particular under despotism, see also police state), making agreements with other states and maintaining support within the state. Typical methods of maintaining support include providing justice and social welfare, claiming support of deities, providing benefits to influential groups, holding elections for important posts within the state, limiting the power of the state through laws and constitutions and appealing to nationalism.

Various forms of government have been implemented or proposed. A government in a developed state is likely to have various sub-organisations known as offices or departments which are headed by politically appointed officials, often called ministers or secretaries. Ministers may in theory act as advisors to the head of state, but in practice have a certain amount of direct power in specific areas. In most modern democracies, the elected legislative assembly has the power to dismiss the government, though the head of state generally has great latitude in appointing a new one.

See also politics, political philosophy, cabinet, executive, legislature, Westminster system