Governments all over the world have many different jobs and provide many services.  The purpose of a government is to serve its people.  Communities around the world depend on their governments.

There are many different ways in which governments help their people.  These are the functions of governments. These functions include making laws and providing protection.  Although governments may be very different, many of their functions are the same.  In this lesson, we will look at some of the different functions of governments in world communities.

THE MILITARY

All countries want to keep their citizens safe.  Protecting countries is the job of a government's military.  In the United States, our military has five main branches; the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard.

Throughout history, Americans have fought for their country.  It is the duty of the all male U.S. citizens, age 18 through 25, to register, or sign-up, for Selective Service.  This does not mean they must join the military during peace time.  However, the President and Congress do have the power to require young men to serve in the military during a crisis, if more servicemen are needed.

Sometimes, our military joins its forces with those of other countries to work together to settle conflicts.    For example, recently British, Australian, and Polish troops helped the American troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom, a war fought in the country of Iraq during the early part of 2003.  There are conflicts in many countries throughout the world today.

OTHER GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS

In Mexico, there is a special part of the government that helps poor people in the country live better lives.  It is called the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  This group teaches poor farmers better ways of growing crops.  They also teach the farmers how to raise animals, and to better use their land.  The government in Mexico also has special agencies that help to clean up pollution in the country.  This helps the people who live and work around the forests and rivers of Mexico.

The government also helps people get from place to place.  There are many ways that people travel.  If you are going to visit family or friends, there are different ways to get there.  You could ride in a car, or take a bus.  You can also travel by train. There are special government agencies that build roads and bridges, and make it easier to travel.  In Canada, this agency is called “Transport Canada.”  Their job is to keep the highways and railways safe for all those who travel.  In the United States, this agency is called the “Department of Transportation.”

Often times governments around the world will help each other out.  This happens when a country is having trouble finding enough food for its people.  The United States is a country with a lot of money.  Many countries around the world are not so lucky.  The United States works with governments of other countries to help bring food and supplies to needy people.

Special groups like the Red Cross help people when natural disasters occur.  A natural disaster can be a flood, an earthquake, or strong storm.  Natural disasters can cause great damage and take many lives.

The Red Cross also travels to other countries to help them.   When a disaster strikes a poor country, a government might not be able to help its people.  Then it is time for groups like the Red Cross to help rebuild, and bring food and water to the victims.

Government help in many ways.  These are just a few of the services they provide.