Definition of Government• Govern = means to rule• Institutions through which a society makes and

enforces public policies (laws)• Those people (elected or appointed) who have

authority and control over people

Two Questions in Government1. Who governs? (elected, appointed, force)2. To what ends? (what should government do

and not do? How much power should our government have?)

3 Linkage Institutions• Institutions or mechanisms that link or

connect the people to the government 1. Political Parties2. Interest Groups3. The Media