Government is defined as an agency established to manage the affairs of _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what government is established to manage. It tests the basic definition of government in Government (Civics) studies.

Step 2: Explain the concept Government is the agency, machinery, or institution through which the state carries out its functions. These include making laws, enforcing them, and settling disputes. Government acts on behalf of the state and the people in it. It does not exist to serve only rulers, foreigners, or one group of workers.

The word "state" here means the organised political community, with its territory, population, and sovereignty, so government manages the affairs of the state.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. rulers: Wrong. Rulers are part of government. Government does not exist to manage their affairs.
• B. foreigners: Wrong. Foreigners are not the main concern of government, though they are subject to its laws while in the country.
• C. the state: Correct. Government is the agency of the state, set up to run its affairs: maintaining law and order, providing welfare, and defending the territory.
• D. all workers: Wrong. Workers are only one segment of society, and government serves all citizens.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. the state.

Exam tip: Remember that the state is the abstract, permanent entity, while government is its temporary agent or machinery. Governments change after elections, but the state continues. Questions that ask "government is the agency of..." usually have "the state" as the answer.