Relationship between history and government is a popular concern among many students wanting to master history and government content. History is the study of general activities conducted by men and women in the past. The study of history investigates different activities performed by mankind previously. Different scholars and historians define history differently.

Robins (1912) defines the subject as an interesting field of study trying to understand the activities of human race in the past. Tonybee (1988) definition of history focuses on the human phenomenon as experienced through time and space. Matland (1922) defines history based on what men and women have done in the past and their thoughts.

Matland’s definition of history incorporates a new concept which have been overlooked in the other definitions; the aspect of thoughts. Nevertheless, the definition of history varies from one scholar to the other, but regardless of the definition, one element remains constant: history focuses on the study of human kind and their way of life in the past.

Government on the other hand has been defined differently. First the word comes from a Greek work ‘governa’ meaning to rule or control, especially controlling the affairs of men and women in a particular society. Thus, government is the authoritative power exercised over the affairs of man in communities, societies and other jurisdictions.

Government controls the affairs of a nation’s politics, social and general administration. The political science dictionary of 1973 defines the government as the act of influencing and controlling through law and coercion of a certain group of people in a given state. It constitutes institutions and systems that govern the affairs and activities of a state.

Rao (1998) defines government as a field of study that deals with the structure and governance of society organized politically or democratically. Considering the different definitions, the link between history and government can be seen as a field of study that investigates way of life of mankind in the past and governance systems.

Summary of the relationship between history and government

History and government are two important fields that helps people understand the connection between the past historical occurrences and current governance systems. The relationship between history and government relates to past historical events and current governance structures. Here are points showing some key elements the on the link between history and government.

1. History and government is a social science that deals with past people’s lives, and their governance institutions
2. The governance of a country is based on past historical events and occurrences
3. History and government focuses on the traditions, values, and cultural activities of the people
4. History gives a deeper meaning of how governments have evolved overtime. Learning different societies and political systems helps people understand the development of different forms of governance
5. The legal development of constitutions is connected to historical records. For instance, governments are formed based on past legal frameworks
6. Government policy guidelines are borrowed from historical records. Governments use failures and successes of past policies to develop current and future governance policies
7. History shapes a country’s cultural heritage and national identity which ultimately influences the governance operations. Historical cultural practices and events play a significant role in a country’s governance
8. Historical data is important in the field of international relations and governance. Historical conflicts, treaties and agreements play a significant role for a government foreign policies
9. Understanding historical colonialism legacies and imperialism is important to understand global politics
10. Historical occurrences such as civil rights movements and revolutions have significant impact on governance system and policies
11. Historical records and archives shape how governments work. Governments keep broad past records and archives to analyze and understand the past. Important past records with governance significance include; laws, treaties and more

Final word

The relationship between history and government are broad. History and government are interconnected in different ways. Historical information gives contextual framework, lessons and guidelines to inform how current government systems and structures operate. Conversely, government activities and policies influence the causes of historical data; thus the two fields are critical in understanding the past and current governance systems. In conclusion, the relationship between history and government is connected to past historical occurrences and current governance systems.