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 Kansas, as in other states, the government is structured across three levels: federal, state, and local. Each level of government has its own departments, agencies, programs, processes, laws, rules, and regulations that govern its operations and interactions with citizens. The federal government operates under the U.S. Constitution and federal law, while the state government of Kansas operates under the Kansas Constitution and state statutes. Local governments, such as counties and municipalities, have their own ordinances and regulations. Legal principles that apply to interactions between private citizens or entities and the government include administrative law, which governs the actions of government agencies, and constitutional law, which protects citizens' rights. In Kansas, the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act (KAPA) provides the framework for how state agencies create and enforce regulations, and how citizens can challenge agency actions. Additionally, the Kansas Tort Claims Act outlines the circumstances under which the state or its employees can be held liable for damages. When interacting with the government, it is often advisable to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in the specific area of law relevant to the issue at hand.