A government is a body that has the authority to make and the power to enforce laws within a civil, corporate, religious, academic, or other organization or group. In its broadest sense, "to govern" means to administer or supervise, whether over a state, a set group of people, or a collection of assets.

The word government is derived from the Greek Κυβερνήτης (kyvernites), which means "steersman", "governor", "pilot" or "rudder".

Typically, "the government" refers to the executive function. In many countries (particularly those having parliamentary systems), the Government refers to the executive branch of government or a specifically named executive, i.e. the Blair Government (compare to the administration as in the Clinton administration in U.S. usage). The Welsh Assembly Government is the name of the executive branch of Wales, and Scottish Government is the unofficial term to describe the Scottish Executive. In countries using the Westminster system, the party in government will also usually control the legislature.

More on [ Government ]

Kansas City Star: Politics

KC ethics commission faces busy year
Fri, 25 Dec 2009 22:15:00 -0600
The ethics commission appointed to investigate elected Kansas City officials has largely been inactive in recent years, but it may soon address new city issues. Reams of depositions from a Jackson County Circuit Court case are being forwarded to members of the Municipal Officials and Officers Ethics Commission, city officials confirmed this week.
The political year in quotes
Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:15:00 -0600
They said it in 2009: &bull;&ldquo;In 1973, I became Missouri&rsquo;s youngest governor. I do not aspire to become Missouri&rsquo;s oldest senator.&rdquo; &mdash; U.S. Sen. <strong>Kit Bond</strong> announcing his retirement.
Legislative wage freeze to be proposed in Kansas
Fri, 25 Dec 2009 22:15:00 -0600
In a nod to the precarious financial situation in Kansas, state Sen. Jim Barnett, an Emporia Republican, said that he plans to introduce a bill to freeze legislators&rsquo; pay and expense reimbursements. Barnett said he plans to introduce the measure as a committee bill when the Legislature returns to session in January, when lawmakers are expected to make deep cuts to close a $358 million shortfall for the 2011 budget year.

Secretary of State News

Carnahan Resolves Two Auction Rate Securities Cases for Missouri Investors
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:52:00 -0000
Settlements reached with Morgan Stanley and Texas-based IPIJefferson City, Missouri - Officials in Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office have resolved two more auction rate securities cases. The most recent settlements were with Morgan Stanley and Investment Professionals, Inc. (IPI). Carnahan's Securities Division ordered Morgan Stanley to buy back certain retail portions of the more than $100 million in auction rate securities it sold to Missourians, and for IPI to repurchase the more than $1.5 million in auction rate securities they sold to Missouri investors.Carnahan has been closely involved in resolutions reached by a national task force on auction rate securities since the $330 billion market melted down in February 2008, but has also worked separately on Missouri-focused cases, such as the IPI action. Along with IPI and Morgan Stanley, Carnahan's office has settled auction rate securities cases with Credit Suisse, NatCity, JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch, RBC Capital Markets, Banc of America, Citigroup, Commerce Brokerage Services, Inc, and Wachovia Securities. These orders are available online. The Securities Division in Secretary Carnahan's office began investigating IPI's auction rate securities activities following a complaint by a Marshall, Missouri, resident in May 2008. The order indicates that even two months after the auction rate securities marketed failed, Texas-based IPI continued to recommend the products and characterized the meltdown as "temporary." IPI's dishonest sales practices led to decisive action by Carnahan's office requiring immediate repayment of more than $1.5 million to its auction rate securities clients in Missouri. The consent order also censures IPI and requires the firm to pay more than $50,000 to the Missouri Investor Education and Protection Fund. Morgan Stanley, which sold a total of $103 million in auction rate securities to Missouri investors, is also required to repurchase certain auction rate securities it sold to Missouri clients in violation of state securities laws. In addition, the firm must pay more than $215,000 to the Missouri Investor Education and Protection Fund. For more information regarding investments and fraud protection, or for information regarding a company or representative, call the Missouri Investor Hotline toll-free at 1-800-721-7996 or visit the Secretary of State's web site at www.MissouriSafeSavings.com
Midwest Secretaries of State Announce Expanded Military Voting Program
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:45:00 -0000
KANSAS CITY, MO. - The top election officials from four Midwest states today announced major improvements to the military voting programs available to the men and women serving our country. The changes are part of the Defense Reauthorization Act, passed by congress last month, and will be in place by the 2010 General Election."We owe the troops who bravely serve our country every opportunity to have their voices heard in our elections," said Carnahan. "I am pleased the other Secretaries in the Midwest share my commitment to implementing these changes so military voters have more efficient and convenient methods to vote." Major changes mandated by the Act include implementing a tracking system that will allow military voters to verify their ballot has been received by their local election authority. Additionally, those serving in the military will now be able to receive their absentee ballots through a secure, electronic method up to 45 days in advance of the election.  To return the ballot, expedited mail service will be made available to military voters at no cost. Without expedited service, a study published by the Pew Charitable Trusts found it can take 18 days to transmit mail to or from an overseas military voter, often making it difficult for ballots to arrive in time to be counted. In addition, uniform deadlines and rules from state to state will help ease confusion at military bases where men and women from across the country are serving together. In 2008, Missouri Secretary of State Carnahan launched an unprecedented effort to reach out to Missourians serving in the military. Detailed information on voting options was distributed directly to more than 1,000 Missourians serving in Kosovo, placed in newsletters, distributed through military family organizations, and promoted at events across the state. In 2004, only 54% of ballots sent to military members were returned on time and counted.  Carnahan's education efforts helped to increased military ballots counted to 78% in 2008. The changes announced today will further increase convenience and security for Missouri men and women serving our country overseas. - 30 - To find out more about the Missouri Secretary of State's Office, visit www.sos.mo.gov
Carnahan's Office Suspends Moberly Broker for Taking Life Savings of Elderly Investor
Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:13:00 -0000
Jefferson City, Missouri - Officials in Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office today suspended the license of Moberly-area broker Craig McClaskey for alleged securities laws violations after receiving information regarding his mishandling of an 85 year-old woman's life savings. Investors who have used McClaskey's services and have concerns about their investments should call the Missouri Investor Protection Hotline at (800) 721-7996.According to the summary suspension order issued today, McClaskey moved $52,000 of the investor's savings into a Florida real estate investment which named McClaskey as a co-owner. The order also states that McClaskey changed several of the woman's investments to designate McClaskey's or his wife as the beneficiary. McClaskey is also alleged to have entered into an agreement to purchase his client's home for one dollar. "It is unacceptable for financial professionals to take advantage of their clients, and I will not tolerate this behavior in Missouri," Carnahan said. "My office will work quickly to help any investor recover their losses and ensure that brokers answer for their dishonest actions. I will continue to stand up for Missouri seniors and crack down on anyone who attempts to prey on their life savings." This case may lead to steep penalties under Carnahan's Senior Investor Protection Act, a new law that became effective in August. One of the toughest laws in the country protecting seniors from fraud, the Act imposes a minimum criminal penalty of $50,000 and an additional civil penalty of up to $5,000 for fraudulent acts committed against senior or disabled investors. The Act also contains provisions which may make it easier for an investor to recover lost savings. Today's order sets a preliminary hearing on this matter for December 4. The summary suspension prohibits McClaskey, who has been a registered broker with Edward Jones since May 2001, from engaging in any broker activities in the state. Carnahan's office will continue its investigation into McClaskey's activities and seek all appropriate further action, which may include a permanent bar from the securities industry. Carnahan's office has also referred the matter to county and state law enforcement officials. Edward Jones was not named in the order issued today. Investors with questions or concerns about their investments in Moberly, Randolph County or elsewhere in the state should call the Missouri Investor Protection Hotline toll-free at (800) 721-7996 or visit the Secretary of State's web site at www.sos.mo.gov/securities.

Subscribe to Government RSS feed