Here's why:
* Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or things considered as a single unit.
* While the government is made up of individuals, it's treated as a single entity that performs functions like making laws, providing services, and protecting its citizens.
Examples:
* The government passed a new law. (The government, as a whole, acted.)
* The team celebrated their victory. (The team, as a group, celebrated.)
* The herd of elephants migrated across the savanna. (The herd, as a collection, moved.)