What actually is government?

go' vernment n. (More modern word for) GOVERNANCE;

go' vernance n. Act, manner, fact or function, of governing, sway, control.

go'vern v.t & i. Rule with authority, conduct the policy, actions, & affairs, of (State, subject) despotically or constitutionally; regulate proceedings (corporation etc.; ~ing body, managers of hospital, school, etc.; be in military command of (fort, town).

-The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English, Fowler & Fowler, 5th Ed., Oxford University Press, Amen House, London E.C. 4, New York, 1964