Purpose of Governments

Why do governments exist?

One major reason is that they create rules. But what rules are necessary or desirable? That is open to question, and different types of governments have certainly created a wide variety of rules.

The most basic duty of a government is to protect its people. The government protects citizens from each other by organizing police to enforce the law. It also protects by defending the country from outside forces (military). Governments almost certainly originated with the need to protect people from conflicts and to provide law and order. Though the rules and responsibilities vary greatly through time and place, governments must create them.

Governments provide the framework for everyday behavior for citizens, protect them from outside interference, and often provide for their well-being and happiness.

Source: http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1a.asp