Outline the basic functions performed by a modern government

The modern government exists to carry out
some functions. These functions are quite essential for
the good and benefit of her citizens.

Simply defined, government is the machinery
through which the affairs of the state is carried out. It can also be defined
as the agency through which laws are made, interpreted and
executed. Modern government performs a lot of
functions among which are: 

• MAKING OF LAWS: This function is carried out through the legislative arm of the government. In
  a democratic set up, the national assembly or parliament as the
  case may be Performs this duty. However in a military set up like the case in Nigeria,Some years ago the the
  Provisional Ruling Council made laws. 
• MA1NTENACE OF LAWS AND ORDER:
  This is a duty that is being complemented by the police
  who normally quell riots and disturbances. Without the
  proper discharge of this function, lawlessness will prevail
  and danger, insecurity will rule the state.
•  MAKING OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS:
  Friendliness with other nations is an important aspect of
  modern foreign policy. Government establish embassies
  and appoint ambassadors to Oversee or represent the
  interest of home government in foreign land.
•  PARTICIPATION IN ECONOMIC
  ENTERPRISES: Government can also establish companies that provides employment
  and useful services for the citizens, in
  Nigeria, government establish such public corporations
  like Nigerian Airports Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum
  Corporation and Nigerian Airways.
•  PROVISION OF SOCIAL AMENITIES: Government provide social amenities   like roads, water and electricity. These services help to, improve the quality of life of the citizens of a state.
•  DEFENCE OF THE
  NATION AGAINST EXTERNAL AGGRESSION: This is done through the Armed
  forces. The Soldiers defend the land and the Navy protect the territorial waters while the Air force take care of the air space.

OR

THE BASIC FUNCTIONS PERFOMED BY A
MODERN GOVERNMENT.

• Defence of the country from external aggression.
•  Making of laws.
•  Protecting individual fundamental human rights.
•  Maintaining law and order.
•  Providing social services e.g education, communication, health e.t;c.
•  Interpreting the laws and providing justice.
• Maintaining foreign relations with other
  countries,
• Providing job opportunities for the
  citizen,
• Promoting
  and participating in economic development e.g industrial, agricultural and commercial
  development.  
• Raising and spending public fund.
• Formulation and implementation of
  policies.