PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE
OF GOVERNMENT
PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT
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To create and enforce laws
To provide framework for laws to function
To provide safety for citizens
To represent citizens
To provide necessary services for society
to function
• To defend the autonomy of the state
Structure of Government
In order for government to fulfill all of its
purposes, it organizes itself into distinct
parts or branches.
The usual branches of government are,
Executive, Legislative and Judicial.
Executive Branch
• Has the leadership role
• Establishes priorities and the government
agenda
• Decide which laws to put forward
• Maintain the daily running of the
government
Legislative Branch
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Pass Bills into Law
Change or cancel laws
Authorize spending of money
Act as a balance to the Executive Branch
Provide the voice of the citizenry in
government
• Can also be the source of new laws or
policies
Judicial Branch
• Enforce and interpret laws
• Acts independently from the Executive and
Legislative Branches of Government
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
EXECUTIVE
LEGISLATIVE
JUDICIAL
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES