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Introduction

A political system is a social institution,(Studysmarter US, 2023). According to the


Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Government is defined as a lawful control over the affairs
of a political unit (as a nation). The main purpose of a social institution is to maintain
and regulate the affairs of the society it governs. The government revolves around every
aspect of society as the superior unit. However, it is of great significance to examine the
relationship between the government and the society it governs. The function of
government as a social institution is vast and endless (Britannica, 2023). In this article,
we'll be discussing the vital and major functions of the government as an institution and
also the nature of its relationship with organisations, systems of organisation, and
individuals.

Social Institution

Generally, A Social Institution is an organisation in a society that influences the


structure and operation of the society. They include family, media, education, and the
government. In other words, it is an established practice, tradition, behavior, or system
of roles and relationships that is considered a normative structure or arrangement within
a society, (Nickerson & Charlotte , 2023).
Functions Of Goverment As A Social Institution

In all modern states, governmental functions have greatly expanded with the
emergence of government as an active force in guiding social and economic
development.(Britannica, 2023) Governments as institutions have different functions.
Their responsibility is to maintain power relations and authority, both within and outside
the state. Thus, they manage issues of conflict, such as war and terrorism, and they
guide the people in times of peace.
According to Britannica (2023), the following are the most vital functions of the
government as a social institution :

● Self-preservation: This is the first and preliminary task of the government as a


social institution. the government is required to closely monitor the overall well-
being of itself and the society it governs. Government must preserve itself
against external as well as internal threats.

● Supervising and resolving conflicts: The conflict of private interest is the leading
property of the political process in government, and the supervision, and
resolution of such conflicts are among the key responsibilities of the government
as a social institution.

● Regulation of the economy: Regulation of the economy by the Government is a


constant function that is not new to development. The government as a social
institution is always responsible for managing the economy of the nation and
ensuring a balance between the domestic economy and the world economy.
● Public administration: The government is accountable for the implementation of
law and policy and public administration is a feature of all nations. Effective
public administration ensures a peaceful and successful nation.
● Protection of political and social rights: All modern governments are answerable
for protecting the political and social rights of their societies. The protection of
individual rights has taken two paramount forms: first, the protection of liberty in
the face of governmental oppression; second, the protection of individual rights
against hostile majorities and minorities.

Relationship Of Government With Organisations And


Systems Of Organisation

The government most often directly influences organizations by establishing


regulations, laws, and rules that dictate what organizations can and cannot do. To
implement legislation, the government generally creates special agencies to monitor
and control certain aspects of business activity
Government and organisations in society are interrelated and interdependent. In today’s
global economy, businessmen and entrepreneurs are the driving forces of the economy,
(iEduNote, 2019). A variety of government actions in addition to laws and regulations
powerfully affect companies’ finances, executives say, (Dua et al., 2010)
In any form of economy, the government and the corporate organisations must share a
mutually successful relationship, to thrive and to help the economic progress (essayrx,
2020)
Relationship Of Government With Individuals

The relationship between government and individuals is not an equal one: private
persons are subordinate to the state. Public law is the legal mediation of this unequal
relationship between government and private persons. There are distinct areas of public
law: constitutional law, criminal law, administrative law, tax law, and procedural law,
(Steinmetz, 2023). The connection between governmental and individual responsibility
is important for facilitating a positive relationship between the government and
individuals. Two values are particularly important for this relationship: trust and
solidarity. As we have seen, solving societal problems requires both governmental and
individual responsibility. Working together requires trust and solidarity between
governments and individuals, (Nihlén Fahlquist, 2021).

Analysis on Nature of Relationship Between The Goverment,


Organisations, Systems Of Organisations And Individuals

The relationship between government, organizations, systems of organizations, and


individuals is interdependent and complicated, Governments can play a key role in
aiding the transition toward more efficient, less damaging economies. Those
governments that can lead in this role would be able to set the agenda for their
economies, industries, and citizens, (sagepub.com, 2023). Collaboration between the
government and non-governmental organizations is also important in providing
healthcare services, ( Rajabi et al., 2021). Systems thinking can help organizations
understand how different parts of their organization interact with each other and how
they can work together to achieve common goals, (Jonathan H. Westover, 2022).
Conclusion

The government as a Social Institution executes so many functions that structure and
enhance the well-being of society. By preserving itself and society, supervising and
resolving conflicts, regulating the economy, protecting political and social rights,
provision of goods and services, and addressing public administration, the government
acts as a key role in society. The relationship between the Government or Social
Institution and organisations, systems of organisations, and individuals are mutually
dependent which contributes to an efficient sovereignty and Successful society.
comprehending the nature of these relationships is crucial for nourishing panoramic
leadership and achieving the goals of society.
Reference

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Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-system/The-functions-of-
government (Accessed: 09 June 2023).
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