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.

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Headlines from the Associated Press

Health care issues: Who's insured, and how
By The Associated Press Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:26:04 -0000
A look at key issues in the health care debate:...
Roll Call: How they voted on drug imports plan
By The Associated Press Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:53:04 -0000
The 51-48 roll call Tuesday by which the Senate rejected a plan that would allow Americans to import low-cost prescriptions from abroad. Sixty votes were needed to pass the measure....
Dems to Lieberman: Say it's so, Joe on health care
By LAURIE KELLMAN Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:04:44 -0000
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The senator Republicans love and liberals love to hate is at it again....

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