EN
The article starts with the overview of the evolution of the concept of Regierung which exists in German literature from the fi fteenth century. The author, fi rst of all, deals with historical concepts and, then, with contemporary issues. In the period of constitutional monarchy, the German scientists used the term “government” to mean the entire activity of the state. However, some authors have conceived it more narrowly, as the entire state power, but with the exception of the legislative and judicial branches. In contrast, from contemporary perspective, the government is considered as that part of the executive which makes creative decisions, applies political initiative, conducts oversight over the activities of the executive and exercises general management of the state. Subsequently, the author discusses the functions of government, the term “organizational power”, the interpretation of the term Auswärtige Gewalt and the procedure for concluding international agreements by the Federal Republic of Germany. The fi nal part of the article provides conclusions.