In environmental science, ecosystems can be understood through the interactions between various organisms and their surroundings. For instance, a forest ecosystem consists of trees, plants, animals, and microorganisms that all play distinct roles. Similarly, in economic systems, various entities such as consumers, producers, and governments interact to create a functioning economic environment. Understanding these roles is crucial for analyzing the health and sustainability of both types of systems.
Consider the following analogy: Just as in a forest ecosystem, where trees contribute to the structure and balance of the environment, in an economic system, what role does the government typically play?