One major characteristic of government is its authority or power to rule and govern a society or territory. Governments are established to exercise control, make decisions, and enforce laws and regulations that shape the functioning of a country or community. This authority is typically derived from a combination of factors, such as:

1. Legitimacy: Governments derive their authority from being recognized as legitimate representatives of the people or the state. Legitimacy can be based on factors like popular consent, historical traditions, or the rule of law.
2. Sovereignty: Governments have sovereignty, which means they possess the exclusive right to exercise power and authority over their territory and population without interference from external forces.
3. Rule of Law: Governments establish and enforce laws that apply to all individuals and entities within their jurisdiction. The rule of law ensures that everyone is subject to the same legal principles and that laws are administered fairly.
4. Public Services: Governments are responsible for providing essential public services, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, law enforcement, and social welfare programs.
5. Maintaining Order and Security: Governments are tasked with maintaining internal and external security, protecting their citizens from threats, and ensuring peace and stability within their borders.
6. Taxation and Revenue Collection: Governments raise funds through taxation and other revenue-generating measures to finance public services and infrastructure development.
7. Policy Formulation and Implementation: Governments create policies and regulations to address societal challenges, guide economic growth, and promote the general welfare.
8. Representation: In democratic governments, elected officials represent the interests of the people and act as their voice in decision-making processes.
9. Separation of Powers: In many systems, governments are structured with a separation of powers, dividing authority among different branches (e.g., executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent concentration of power and ensure a system of checks and balances.
10. Accountability: Governments are accountable to their citizens for their actions and decisions. This accountability can be ensured through elections, public scrutiny, and oversight mechanisms.

The nature and extent of government authority can vary depending on the form of government (e.g., democratic, authoritarian, federal, unitary) and the specific political and cultural context of a country or region.