What does the word "government" mean to you?

[Peter R]

In my opinion, there is a disconnect between what anarchists, libertarians, voluntarists, etc mean when the speak of "governments," and what the public actually hears.  I thought this poll may lead to a useful discussion. 

[Lethn]

I don't necessarily think it's the public, but government loyalists certainly hear the third option because that's what they want to hear and they don't actually listen to what people like us say, you can see it all over the board, it's usually people who directly benefit from the system we're in or support it that are the ones who decide on their own that we hate all of it. Much like news anchors who ask somebody for their opinion and then answer the question all by themselves.

[Balthazar]

If one says they are "anti-government," (a) what do they mean and (b) what does the public hear?

It depends on what do you mean by "government". If you mean an illegitimate or illegal structure, then answer is

None of the above

and "anti-government" means somebody who stands for a restoration of the constitutional order, with or without help of authorities. This person can use peaceful or violent methods, it depends of junta's strategy.

Otherwise it's hard to find an exact answer, it's better to allow two or more options.

[bullgates]

mind control by many different methods

[Balthazar]

Surely government is legal by definition?

No, of course.

Whether or not you think it's right or moral

It's not about the moral, it's about constitution and order.

Law has no retroactive effect, so if the new government came into the power through a coup, it will be illegal even if they will illegally adopt a constitution a bit later. That's why any real revolution ends with elections or another legitimate and legal way to form new government.

they make the laws

Government is an executive power. Government usually has no right to make the laws, legislative power does this.

[DubFX]

Corruption and money laundering on big scale, also power abusage.