In general, “government” is defined by those who think in terms of kilesa (defilements*). Well, I don’t care about how they define “government.” Here is how I define it:

“Government” is keeping people with defilements from endangering and harming each other.

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
from A Manual for Buddhist Education, lecture two

* Kilesa, reactive emotions & egoistic thinking such as greed, hatred, delusion, envy, & fear.