Because you are still listing events that happened.
The government keeps records so we can know, when we need, about the history of our country and its individuals.
Our government also ensures law enforcement by hiring the right people to represent and keep the law and the structures of our society running.
The government also assures us that we can change governors or keep them by voting if we are satisfied or unsatisfied with them.
The government also has the obligation to provide public services to make our lives and specially the lives of the less fortunate easier with the tax money that we pay with our hard work.