Government as an institution of the state can be defined as the machinery or agency through which the policies of the state are formulated and implemented. Government as an institution of the state is an agency or machinery through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and attained Features of Government as an Institution of the state Government as an institution of the state has the following characteristics: 1. Political power: Government has political power. This enables the government to regulate the conduct of the citizens and also implement it policies. 2. Law : Government have set of rules and regulations to ensure proper order in the society.  3. Revenue : Government generates funds for the provision of social services and for the running of the  state. 4. Public Support: Government needs the people’s support to guarantee conducive atmosphere for effective functioning of such government. 5. Social Services: provision of social services such as electricity, pipe borne water, good roads, hospitals etc. Is another characteristics of government. 6. Personnel: Government has team of qualified staff who are responsible for carrying out the duties of the state. 7. Periodic Change: Government is not permanent, it changes from time to time both in personnel and form.  Sources: classhall.com/lesson/introduction-to-the-concept-of-government classhall.com/subject/government-ss1 classhall.com/subject/government-ss2 classhall.com/subject/government-ss3