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 ]

Inquirer front page

Palin sounds a call to battle
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin introduced herself to a curious country last night as the Republican candidate for vice president, saying she is a "hockey mom" and political outsider with more executive experience than the Democratic presidential nominee.
Philadelphia law firm calls off merger
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:01:00 -0000
A planned merger between Wolf Block of Philadelphia and a sprawling Florida law firm has been called off, derailed by a struggling economy and stagnant revenue that raised the risk to unacceptable levels, participants in the negotiations said.
Hanna threatens to drench Philadelphia region
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:01:00 -0000
New Jersey's beaches, which have benefited from a decade of relative weather tranquillity, may be in for a rough weekend.
Rep. Rob Andrews might run after all
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Once again, U.S. Rep. Robert E. Andrews seems to have had a change of heart. The Camden County Democrat, after saying for months that he would not seek reelection, is expected to announce today that he will run again for the House seat he has held for 18 years, most likely replacing his wife on the ballot.
Tonight is all McCain's
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:01:00 -0000
ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Republican National Convention first belonged to Gustav and then to Sarah. Now, it's up to John McCain to make it his own.
U.S. plans $1 billion to aid Georgia
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:01:00 -0000
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration announced a $1 billion aid package to Georgia yesterday, making the former Soviet republic one of the highest per capita recipients of U.S. economic assistance.

Today's Tribune-Review

Port Authority union takes more time considering contract proposal
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:29:50 -0400
The Port Authority union representing 2,200 drivers and mechanics will take another week before deciding whether to agree to contract terms offered by a state mediator.
Pittsburgh zoning board mulls video billboard
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:30:19 -0400
A video billboard at the end of Grant Street could tell visitors about an upcoming opera or display a Pirates game in progress, but only if Pittsburgh zoning officials agree to waive the zoning rules, advertising executives told city zoning officials today.
Pitt creating biodegradable surgical devices
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:42:57 -0400
The University of Pittsburgh announced today that it is part of a group of universities working on an $18.5 million federal project to create implantable surgical devices that dissolve in the patient's body when they are no longer needed.
Lawmaker: Assess people for state police services
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:57:44 -0400
Every household resident in townships with more than 10,000 people should be assessed $100 annually if the townships are using state police services rather than a local police department, a state lawmaker said today.
Districts lose court challenge to accepting Duquesne students
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:20:55 -0400
A state appeals court dismissed a lawsuit today filed by three school districts that challenged the law that placed former Duquesne High School students in surrounding schools.
Hill District man Tased, officer injured in chase
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:55:55 -0400
Pittsburgh police tased and arrested a Hill District man this morning after he crashed his sports utility vehicle into a police cruiser, injuring an officer inside, police spokeswoman Diane Richard said.

Centredaily.com: Local

Man tries to take loaded gun to hearing
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:29:00 -0400
A 22-year-old man was arrested outside a district judge';s office Tuesday after police say he tried to take a loaded gun to his hearing before Judge Jonathan Grine.
PSU professor dies after collapsing during class
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:29:00 -0400
A Penn State professor known for not letting his mechanical and nuclear engineering students fall through the cracks died after collapsing in class Wednesday.
Police seize items from apartment
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0400
News reports about police converging on an apartment shared by Penn State football players turned out to be based on a pretty routine incident � police breaking up a loud party.

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