Government in America is large perhaps too large. Some Americans believe that all social concerns can be treated and solved by the government, while others see the government as a vested interest with no function but to perpetuate itself. Whatever your view, in the United States you'll have to deal with government at many levels. If you want to add an addition to your home, you'll need a permit from the local town or city government. You'll get your driver's license from the state government, or a small business loan from the federal government. And, of course, you'll pay taxes to many levels of government.