Government includes the people and resources—as well as departments, agencies, programs, processes, laws, rules, and regulations—that define the relationship between federal, state, and local governments and their citizens. Some legal principles have a unique application when private citizens or entities interact with their governments.

In Alabama, the government structure is defined by the state constitution and consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is headed by the governor, the legislative branch is composed of the Alabama Legislature (which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate), and the judicial branch is made up of various courts, including the Alabama Supreme Court. Each level of government—federal, state, and local—has its own set of laws, rules, and regulations that govern interactions with citizens. For instance, the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act governs how state agencies create and implement regulations. When private citizens or entities interact with the government, they are subject to these regulations and may have recourse through administrative procedures or the courts if they believe their rights have been infringed. Additionally, the principles of sovereign immunity may limit the circumstances under which the government or its officials can be sued. However, laws such as the Alabama Claims Commission Act provide mechanisms for citizens to seek compensation for damages or injuries caused by the state or its employees.