The Thames below Westminster (about 1871) by Claude MonetThe National Gallery, London
At its essence, government is an idea. It is the concept of an elected body chosen to represent a people. But it is also a physical reality and, over the centuries, societies all around the world have had very different ideas about the type of building where power should reside.
Buildings that house power generally tend to project power too, with impressive structures on a grand scale. Scroll on to take a closer look at some of the most famous examples from around the world in three dimensions.
National Palace
National Palace - Mexico City, Mexico
In Mexico, power is divided between different branches. The National Palace is the seat of the federal executive in Mexico and also the official residence of the president. The Senate and Chamber of Deputies, the other two branches, are located in other buildings.
The National Palace is located on the city's main square, Plaza de la Constitucion, a site where Mexico's rulers have lived since the days of the Aztec empire. Many of the materials used in construction came from the original palace of Moctezuma II.
The US Capitol, The Hungarian National Assembly and the original Reichstag building. Three imposing governmental buildings that follow a very similar style designed around a central domed area.
Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles - Versailles, France
Located around 12 miles west of Paris. this former royal palace was once the seat of ultimate power. Home to numerous French kings and queens, it was the site of the royal court and the place where the fate of a nation was discussed and decided.
After the French Revolution, the palace was largely abandoned as a seat of power. Occasionally used as a summer house by Napoleon it has been largely restored and now stands as a museum. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site due to its once important status.
Three different ideas of what governmental buildings should look like, including modern, neo-classical and socialist realist styles. Government buildings can often reflect the type of power they were built to house.
House of Commons - British ParliamentCollection of the Parliaments of the European Union
Houses of Parliament - London, United Kingdom
The Palace of Westminister, usually known as the Houses of Parliament, serves a meeting place for both the House of Commons and House of Lords, two of the main branches of power in the UK. There has been a government building on this site since the 11th century.
Big Ben
Construction of the current building started in 1840 and lasted for 30 years. It has undergone several rounds of major restoration work, most recently to restore the tower, home of the legendary Big Ben bell.
Government buildings are generally very large in order to accommodate the vast amount of work that goes on inside, with often large volumes of people working there beyond just the power brokers.
View of the palace and gardens of Versailles, seen from the avenue de Paris (1668) by Pierre PatelPalace of Versailles
Want to know more?
You can find out more about the power, science, and art that developed in the Palace of Versailles by taking this virtual tour.
