Understanding Government Functions and Structure

Sep 10, 2024

Lecture Notes: Understanding Government and Its Functions

Definitions of Government

  • Government as an Act of Governing:

    • Governing is the primary function—controlling, guiding, implementing policies.
    • Responsible for the governance of states, leading to various forms of government.

  • Government as an Academic Field:

    • Interdisciplinary connections with international relations, politics, and more.
    • Essential for understanding principles and functioning of government.

Elements of Government

Arms of Government

  • Executive:

    • Implementation and formulation of policies.
    • Composed of the President, Prime Minister (UK), Governors, Ministers, Civil Servants, Police, Armed Forces.
    • Key Functions:
      • Policy formulation
      • Implementation and enforcement of laws
      • Budget creation
      • Initiating bills
      • Appointments and pardoning of criminals
    • Types of Executives:
      • Single Executive: Controlled by one individual, e.g., Nigeria.
      • Plural Executive: Managed by a council, shared control, e.g., Switzerland.
      • Parliamentary Executive: Head appointed by parliament, e.g., UK.
      • Non-Parliamentary Executive: Head elected by public, e.g., USA.

  • Legislature:

    • Responsible for making laws.
    • Functions include:
      • Lawmaking
      • Constitutional amendments
      • Investigation and questioning
    • Forms of Legislature:
      • Bicameral: Two chambers (e.g., Nigeria's National Assembly - Senate and House of Representatives).
      • Unicameral: Single chamber (e.g., Israel, Bulgaria).
    • Bills: Proposed actions that become laws upon approval:
      • Public Bills, Private Member Bills, Money Bills

  • Judiciary:

    • Interprets and applies laws.
    • Operates through court systems (Supreme Court, Appeal Courts, High Courts).
    • Functions include:
      • Interpretation of laws
      • Dispute settlement
      • Constitutional interpretation
      • Safeguarding citizens' rights

Key Concepts

  • Independence of Judiciary:

    • Essential for unbiased interpretation and enforcement of laws.
    • Must have features like independence, political neutrality, permanence, and immunity.

  • Parliamentary Supremacy:

    • Legislature’s ability to make/unmake laws uninfluenced by external parties.
    • Limited by constitutional laws, interest groups, and international treaties.

Notes

  • Importance of understanding government’s role in society.
  • Recognizing the balance and checks among the arms of government.
  • The different systems and types of governance reflect cultural and historical contexts of countries.

Note: Review and ensure understanding of the functions and differences between arms of government, types of executives, legislative structures, and the role of judiciary as discussed.