It takes decisions about where to build roads and schools, or how to reduce the price of onions when they get too expensive or ways to increase the supply of electricity.
It also takes action on many social issues.
It runs postal and railway services.
It protects the boundaries of the country and maintains peaceful relations with other countries.
It ensures that all its citizens have enough to eat and have good health facilities.
It provides aid and assistance for the affected people in case of natural disasters like the tsunami or an earthquake.