Definition

1. Noun:
   • The system or form by which a community or political unit is governed: This refers to the established framework of rules, institutions, and principles that define how a state or society is controlled and administered.
   • The governing body of a nation, state, or community: This is the group of people with the authority to govern, make laws, and administer public policy for a political unit.
   • The act or process of governing; the exercise of authority: This refers to the continuous action, function, or profession of controlling and directing public affairs.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (System/Form):

  • Democracy is a popular form of government.
  • The country transitioned from a monarchy to a republican government.

• Noun (Governing Body):

  • The government announced new policies to boost the economy.
  • Local government is responsible for maintaining parks and roads.

• Noun (Act of Governing):

  • Effective government requires transparency and accountability.
  • He has years of experience in government.

Advanced Usage

• "In government": Holding a position within the governing administration.

  • She has served in government for over a decade.

• "Big government": A pejorative term for a government perceived as excessively large and interventionist.

  • The candidate campaigned against big government.

• "Government by committee": A situation where decision-making is slow because it requires agreement from a large group.

  • The project failed due to government by committee.

Variants and Related Words

• Govern (verb): To conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of a state, organization, or people.

  • The elected officials govern the country.

• Governance (noun): The action or manner of governing.

  • Corporate governance has become a major issue for investors.

• Governmental (adjective): Relating to or denoting the government.

  • This is a governmental decision, not a private one.

Synonyms

• Administration: The government in power; the process of managing governance.
• Authority: The power or right to give orders and enforce obedience; often used for a specific governing body.
• Regime: A government, especially an authoritarian one.
• State: The government or political organization of a country.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: As "government" is primarily a noun, it does not form phrasal verbs itself. Related verbs like "govern" do.) - To govern over: To rule or have authority over a place or people. - The king governed over a vast empire.

Related Idioms

• A government of laws, not of men: A principle that governmental authority should be exercised only in accordance with written, publicly disclosed laws.

  • A just society is a government of laws, not of men.

• To overthrow the government: To remove a government from power, typically by force.

  • The rebels attempted to overthrow the government.

Noun

1. the study of government of states and other political units
2. (government) the system or form by which a community or other political unit is governed
   • tyrannical government
3. the act of governing; exercising authority
   • regulations for the governing of state prisons
   • he had considerable experience of government
4. the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
   • the government reduced taxes
   • the matter was referred to higher authorities