Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
UNITARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
CONTENT
Meaning of Unitary Government
Main Features or Characteristics of Unitary Government
Advantages and Disadvantages of Unitary Government
Factors Responsible for the Success of Unitary Government
Resource Control in a Unitary System of Government
Meaning of Unitary Government
Unitary system of government is a system of government in which all governmental powers are concentrated in the hands of a single authority or central government. The central government has all the constitutional powers, assumes supremacy over all other subordinates units and makes laws for the entire state.
In unitary government powers are not shared between the central government and other component units. Unitary government adopts a unitary constitution. Examples of unitary states are Britain, Ghana, the Gambia, France, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Togo, Cameroun, etc.
Main Features or Characteristics of Unitary Government
The following are the features or characteristics of unitary government.
All governmental powers are concentrated in the hands of a single authority or central government.
There is no constitutional division of powers between the central government and the local regions.
The central government is the only source from which power emanates.
The central government can delegate powers to other subordinate bodies.
The constitution need not necessary be supreme, for the central government may have power to modify it.
The constitution need not be rigid.
There is no judicial review
The citizens owe allegiance to only one government; that is, the central government.
It is best practiced in a homogenous state where there are no sharp differences in religion, language and political belief.
A unitary government adopts a unitary constitution.
The various units into which the nation is divided for administrative purposes are created by the central government.
There is parliamentary supremacy in a unitary state.
EVALUATION
Define unitary system of government.
State six features of unitary system of government.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Unitary Government
Advantages or Merits of Unitary Government
Stronger and Stable Government: Unitary system of government tends to be stronger and more stable than federal system of government. This is because the citizens show loyalty to the central government.
Reduction in Cost: The cost of running a unitary system of government is reduced because there is no duplication of government and offices.
Quicker Decisions are Made: Quicker decisions are made because the single authority into which power is concentrated need not consult any other authority before taking decisions.
Promotion of National Unity: The system promotes patriotism as a result of absence of tribalism, sectionalism associated with federalism and these give rise to national unity.
Simple to Operate: Unitary government is easy to operate and less cumbersome because it does not require too much financial and manpower resources unlike federalism.
Avoids Waste of Human and Material Resources: This is as a result of the fact that Unitarianism does not involve unnecessary duplication of government offices.
Foster the Spirit of Oneness: The citizens in a country that adopts unitary system of government look to themselves as one.
It Has Flexible Constitution: This is an advantage to a unitary government because the constitution can easily and cheaply be amended to suit the changing social, political and economic situation of a country
Uniformity in the Level of Development: All parts of a country that adopts unitary system of government tend to develop at the same pace.
Disadvantages or Demerits of Unitary Government
The Central Government is Over Burdened: The central government is overloaded with too much problems as a result of concentration of all governmental powers in one single authority.
Encouragement of Dictatorship: It leads to dictatorship as a result of concentration of powers in a single authority.
Does not Suit Large Territories: Unitary system of government is only suitable for countries with small sizes not for countries with large population, wide geographical areas, diverse language, culture, etc.
Government is Kept Far Away from the People: Unlike federalism, Unitarianism places government far away from the people especially those in interior parts of the country.
It Kills Local Initiatives: Since there is only one decision making body at the centre, good initiatives from the local areas will be overlooked.
It does not Encourage Wider Representation: Unitary government does not give room for wider representation of the people in the government as a result of the fact that there is only one level of government-the central government.
Leads to Domination of Minority Groups: The minority groups in a country that adopts a unitary system of government are dominated by the majority.
It Causes Dissatisfaction: It causes dissatisfaction among the various units of a country as a result of the concentration of governmental power in one single authority that may be made up of people from one area.
Is Prone to Political Instability: Unitarianism if adopted in a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country, will lead to political instability because of the dissatisfaction it causes
EVALUATION
Highlight five advantages of unitary system of government.
List and explain five disadvantages of unitary system of government.
Factors Responsible for the Success of Unitary Government
The following must be taken into consideration to have a successful unitary form of government.
Homogeneity of Society: That is where there is a great deal of similarity in language, culture, religion and attitude.
Size of the Country: A unitary system of government operates best in a country with fairly small size for example Togo, Ghana, etc.
Common Language and Culture: Common language and culture bind people together and these give rise to the adoption of unitary system of government.
Common History: Unitary system of government operates better in an environment where the citizens of the country have a common history.
Absence of Minority Groups: Where there are no minority groups, unitary system of government can work well.
Loyalty to the Central Government: Unitary system of government works very well in countries where the citizens show strong loyalty to the central government.
Resource Control in a Unitary System of Government
Resource control is the control and management of resources by the central or local government. In a unitary system of government, resources are controlled by the central government. The central government in the system has absolute control over the resources of the subordinate governments. The subordinate governments only exercise the power given to them by the central government.
EVALUATION
Explain resource control in unitary system of government.
Identify and explain four factors responsible for the success of unitary system of government.
GENERAL EVALUATION
What is unitary system of government?
State five features of unitary government.
Highlight five factors responsible for the success of unitary government.
Explain resource control in unitary government.
Mention five disadvantages of unitary government.
Why do some West African countries adopt the unitary system of government while others do not?
Federal System of Government
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FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
CONTENT
Definition of Federalism
Reasons for Federating
Characteristics or Features of Federal System of Government
Resource Control in a Federal System Government
Merits and Demerits of Federalism
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
Definition of Federalism
A federal system of government can be defined as one in which governmental powers that exist in the country are shared between a central government that represent the whole country and government of component regions or states, so that each government is legally and constitutionally independent and autonomous.
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
It does not mean that powers are shared equally between the central government and government of the component regions or state. Countries that practice federalism adopt federal constitution. Examples of countries that adopt federalism include; U.S.A., Nigeria, Federal Republic of Germany, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, Yugoslavia, India among others.
The powers of the government are assigned constitutionally among the states and central government. The powers are usually referred to as legislative lists. Under the federal exclusive legislative lists in Nigeria are the federal civil service, mining, defense, foreign policy, currency and banking, aviation, immigration, police, customs, and prisons. Only the central government can legislate on the subjects in the exclusive lists. Concurrent list of power are areas where powers are shared jointly by both the central and state government. In case there is conflict of laws made by both governments, the central government laws will supersede that of the state government. Subject matters on concurrent list include health, education, agriculture, roads, housing etc. Residual powers are powers not included in either the exclusive list or the concurrent lists, and this rest in the states. Matters in the residual lists include chieftaincy matters, local governments, markets, etc.
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
Reasons for Federating
The following are the reasons for the adoption of federal system of government.
For Rapid and Even Development: Some countries adopt federalism to ensure rapid and even development of a country.
The Size of the Country: A federal system is suitable for a state with large geographical area and large population.
To Bring Government Nearer to the People: Federalism which leads to the creation of state or regions brings government very close to the people especially to those at local areas.
To Expand Local Markets: The division of a country into different regions or states under federalism is done with the reason to expand the local markets.
Tribal Differences: Differences in culture, religion, language, custom, tradition, etc among different groups of a country may lead to the adoption of federalism.
To create more Employment Opportunities: The division of powers and the duplications of offices and services create employment opportunities more than any other system.
Desire for Union: Some states desire a union because of threat to their independence or fear of external attacks.
For Diverse Law to be made: Federalism is also established in order to make it possible for diverse laws that will suit the diverse communities in the country.
For Easy and Effective Government: Countries advocate for federalism because, division of powers just like division of labour, will make the art of governance more effective, efficient, time saving, less fatigue and less energy-sapping.
Protection of the Interest of Minority Groups: In order to protect the interest of the minority group in a country where there is sharp demarcation between majority and minority group, it will be necessary to establish federalism.
EVALUATION
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
Explain federal system of government.
Enumerate four reasons for the adoption federal system of government.
Characteristics or Features of Federal System of Government
The following are the basic characteristics of the federal system of government:
The constitutional powers are shared among the levels or tiers of government; that is, the federal, state and local governments.
Each component unit or government has sole control over the area under its authority.
The constitution of a federal state is usually rigid. It cannot be amended by any one level of government, but by all the governments together.
Supreme Court settles constitutional conflicts.
Federal system of government adopts written constitution.
There is duplication of organs of government in all levels or tiers of government.
The constitution is supreme in federalism.
The constitution of federalism forbids secession.
The constitution specifies the areas of responsibility of each level of government.
All the levels of government derive their powers from the constitution.
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
Resource Control in a Federal System Government
In a federal system of government, the state or local government would manage the resources from their territories under federal guidelines, and then remit taxes to the federal government.
EVALUATION
State four characteristics of federal system of government.
What is resource control in federal system of government?
Merits and Demerits of Federalism
Merits or Advantages of Federalism
Faster Development: The distribution of powers into different areas in a federation, ensures faster and even development.
It Brings Government Nearer to the People: Federalism which involves division of a country into smaller governments, brings these government to the door step of the people.
Encouragement of Healthy Competition: Federalism encourages healthy competition among the component states or regions which goes a long way in leading to rapid development.
Prevention of Emergence of Dictator: This is as a result of the fact that powers are not concentrated in a single authority as is done in unitary system of government.
It Allays Fear of Domination: Fear of domination of one ethnic group on others are reduced by federalism since each ethnic group is given the opportunity to rule itself in its own way.
Creation of more Employment Opportunity: the duplication of offices gives room for employment opportunities.
Guarantee Human Rights: This is as a result of the fact that in a federation, constitution is supreme.
It Maintains Political Stability: The division of powers in a federation removes all forms of dissatisfaction that leads to political instability.
Economic Advantages: Federalism brings about rational utilization of the material and human resources in all levels of
Demerits or Disadvantages of Federalism
Inter-State Friction: This is as a result of differences in opinions among these component states or regions into which powers are divided.
It is Expensive to Operate: It cost a lot in terms of material and human resources required to operate a federal system of government due to duplication of positions and offices
Difficulty in Taking Quick Decisions: This is as a result of the consultations required before decisions are taken especially in matters that fall into concurrent lists that involves both the central and the state government.
Fear of Domination: In spite of the fact that powers that exist in the country that adopt federalism are divided into many areas, it still does not remove the fear of one ethnic group dominating others at the centre.
Problem of Wealth Sharing: Federalism creates the problem of sharing the wealth of the country among different component states and the central government.
Problems of Co-ordination: It is problematic in coordinating a federal state as a result of many areas into which powers are divided.
Difficulty in Amending the Constitution: This is as a result of lack of flexibility and rigid nature of the federal constitution adopted in a federation.
It Leads to Dual Loyalty: The citizens tend to have two different governments to demonstrate their loyalty, which is the state and central government.
EVALUATION
Highlight five merits of federal system of government.
Identify and explain five demerits of federal system of government.
GENERAL EVALUATION
What is a federal state?
Highlight any four weaknesses of the federal system of government.
What are the factors that necessitated the adoption of a federal system in Nigeria.
Discuss resource control in federal system of government.
State five disadvantages of federalism.
Confederal System of Government
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Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
CONFEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
CONTENT
Meaning of Confederation
Main Features of Confederation
Resource Control in a Confederation
Merits and Demerits of Confederation
Differences between Federalism and Confederalism
Meaning of Confederation
Confederation is the form of government in which sovereign states come together as autonomous bodies to form a loose political union, in which the central government is sub-ordinate to the component governments. A government is said to be con-federal when the constitutional arrangements allocate much power to the component at the expense of the central government. It is also defined as a loose federation. Example is Senegambia which was a confederation made of sovereign Senegal and Gambia,
Main Features of Confederation
The main features of confederalism include the following:
The component sovereign states are more powerful than the central government.
It is a union of sovereign or autonomous states.
It has weak central government.
The constitution makes the component states very powerful.
The allegiance of the citizens is usually more to the component sovereign states than the centre.
The component states retain their sovereignty and identity.
Confederation has a flexible constitution.
The component states have constitutional rights to secede.
As a loose union, it is generally less politically stable.
EVALUATION
What is confederalism?
State seven features of confederalism.
Resource Control in a Confederation
Resources are controlled in a confederation by the component governments this does not mean that their contributions for the upkeep and administration of the supra-national authority are not accounted for.
Merits and Demerits of Confederation
Merits of Confederation
The following are the merits or advantages of confederation:
Confederation encourages healthy competition among the sovereign states.
Confederation enables a union to be forged among people with different cultural background.
The constitutional right of secession from the confederation is an advantage to member states which desire to terminate their membership.
Confederation allows component states to retain their sovereignty and identity instead of losing such to the central government.
The component states have the opportunity to make diverse laws that will suit their states.
Confederation guarantees wider consultation especially in the formulation of policies that concern all the states
Confederation helps to expand the local markets in the states concerned.
Equality exists among the states which make up the confederation. No state can claim supremacy over others.
Demerits of Confederation
The following are the demerits or disadvantages of confederation:
Confederation is not popular because it has a weak central government.
Confederation is repudiated by many nations because of its inherent political instability.
Citizens obey their component governments while the central government is not recognized in the system.
The making and implementation of decisions are unnecessarily This is because members of the union need to agree before decisions are reached.
The right of secession is a source of disunity which may lead to the quick disintegration of a confederation.
Confederation is not popular because of the fact that component states retain their sovereignty and identity instead of losing them to the common union.
Confederation does not allow for even development of the component state.
EVALUATION
Highlight five merits of confederal government.
What is resource control in confederal government?
Differences between Federalism and Confederalism
S/N FEDERALISM CONFEDERALISM
1 Sovereignty of component states
is absent Sovereignty of component states
is assured
2 Major power is centrally based Major power is component based
3 Non-guaranteed right to secession
of member states Guaranteed right of secession of
member states
4 Loyalty and allegiance to all levels
of government Loyalty and allegiance is to
component government only
5 There is a central standing army Absence of central standing army
6 Component units are autonomous,
but subordinate to the centre Component states are sovereign
and independent of the centre.
EVALUATION
State five demerits of confederal government.
Give five comparison of confederaism with federalism.
GENERAL EVALUATION
Outline five features of a confederal system of government.
What is confederalism?
Discuss resources control in confederalism.
State five demerit of confederalism.
Compare and contrast confederalism and federalism.
THE PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
CONTENT
Definition of Presidential System of Government
Characteristics of Presidential System of Government
Resource Control in a Presidential System of Government
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Presidential System of Government
Checks and Limitations on the Powers of the Executive President
The Principle of Individual Responsibility in the Presidential System of Government
Definition of Presidential System of Government
The presidential system of government is a system of government in which there is an executive president who is vested with all executive powers and who combines the office of head of state and head of government.
The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and combined the executive functions and ceremonial duties. He also appoints members of his cabinet who are not members of the parliament. Nigeria and U.S.A are good examples of countries practicing presidential system of government. The president can be removed from office through the process of impeachment.
EVALUATION
What is presidential system of government?
Identify two states in the world practicing presidential system of government.
Characteristics of Presidential System of Government
The following are the characteristics of the presidential system of government:
In a presidential system of government, the President is both the head of state and head of government.
The principle of separation of powers is operational in presidential system of government.
The President and his ministers are not members of the parliament.
The principle of checks and balances is applicable in presidential system of government.
The constitution is supreme in a presidential system.
The tenure of office of the President is limited to a fixed term.
The ministers are responsible to the President not the legislature.
The President has power to dismiss any member of his cabinet at anytime.
The President has powers to pardon prisoners, appointment of judges to the supreme court, assenting to bills passed by the legislature etc.
The President is responsible to the constitution and not to the legislatures.
Resource Control in a Presidential System of Government
Resource control in a presidential system of government is located in the National Assembly and the Presidency. The National Assembly members have the power to determine and recommend control of the state’s resources to the president. The president too has the responsibility of endorsing the recommendations of the National Assembly.
EVALUATION
State six characteristic of presidential system of government.
Explain resource control in presidential system of government.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Presidential System of Government
Advantages or Merits of the Presidential System of Government
Separation of Powers: There is clear separation of powers among the three organs of government which prevent misuse of power.
Checks and Balances: Checks and balances among the three organs of government prevent tyranny and abuse of power.
Fixed Tenure of Office: The president’s fixed term of office enables him to give full time to the pursuit of state duties during his tenure.
Absence of Collective Responsibility: In the presidential system of government every individual is accountable for his acts which may lead to his own resignation and not the entire cabinet.
Absence of Conflict: The fusion of the positions of the head of state and the head of government in the President removes possible conflict between the two as it happens in the cabinet system.
Easy to Apportion Blame: The system makes it possible to easily apportion blame to any organ or arm of government that fails in the performance of its functions because of the absence of fusion of powers.
Power to Discipline: The president has the power to discipline erring members of his government, especially the ministers.
Proper Use of Talents: In as much as the president has the right to choose members of his cabinet from anywhere, he chooses the best talents for his government.
Disadvantages or Demerits of the Presidential System of Government
It May Breed Dictators: Since power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, over concentration of powers in the president can make him a dictator.
Expensive to Run: As a result of non fusion of the executive and the legislature this makes the system too expensive to operate.
It is Difficult to Control the President: This is as a result of the fact that he is not responsible to the parliament; he can refuse to implement laws made by the legislature because he cannot be easily removed from the office.
Lobby: Lobbying leads to bribe and bride to corruption and this is one of the elements used in presidential system of government by the president to the legislators in order to initiate a bill.
Frequent Friction: There is always friction between the executive and the legislature as a result of the separation of the two arms of government.
The power of the president to appoint anyone as a minister can encourage him to appoint his relatives or close friends. Those appointed may not be competent to perform the job.
Government SS1 Second Term Lesson Note
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