Alfred Ajibola
- 05th January, 2025 @ 01:20 PM
Topics in Government
Advantages and disadvantages of communism Communism in government Advantages and disadvantages of presidential system of government Features of the presidential system of government Advantages and disadvantages of fascism Fascism explained with examples and its characteristics Advantages and disadvantages of feudalism Feudalism in government Communalism in government Legitimacy and sovereignty in government Political power: Sources of political power Concept of power in government Functions of the executive arm of government Facts on Abraham Lincoln and John Kennedy One-party system explained with its advantages and disadvantages What is Democracy? Definitions of Democracy Types of Government Functions of the Legislature and Judiciary Scheme of Work for Government, SS1, First Term Scheme of Work for Government, SS1, Second TermAcademic Questions in Government
Which of the following is not a function of government?
A. Government provides all the jobs in the country they govern
B. Government empowers the less privilege and the physically challenged
C. Government provides a support system for the aged
D. Government provides infrastructure for her citizens
E. Government maintains external relations with other countries
F. Government generates revenue for the country they govern
In government, a type of one-party system whereby a single party is officially and legally recognized in a country or state is termed a _____.
A. Hegemonic Party
B. Pre-Dominant Party
C. Dominant Party
D. True Single-State
E. Unique-Ordered State
F. State-Exclusive Party
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the multi-party system?
A. There is an existence of several parties differing in principles and fundamentals.
B. The political parties are legally recognized.
C. It is democratic in nature.
D. Among the various parties, only one dominates the political landscape.
E. Some of the opposition parties can become politically insignificant.
F. It promotes the coalition of governments.
In a two-party system, only 2 political parties are present in countries where they are practised.
A. True
B. False
On February 25, 2023; Nigeria as a country had its presidential election. The party system involved in this election is the _____.
A. Zero Party System
B. One-Party System
C. Two-Party System
D. Multi-Party System
E. APC, PDP and LP Party System
F. Coalition Party System
The following countries practice a zero party system except _____.
A. Cambodia
B. Vatican City
C. Bahrain
D. Saudi Arabia
E. Oman
F. Kuwait
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the two-party system?
A. It is democratic in nature
B. There isn't a third party
C. The two parties are always dominant in the political terrain
D. The president must emerge from one of both parties
E. It encourages freedom of expression at the press
F. It presents a choice of candidates to the people
A type of democracy whereby shura is practiced is termed _____ democracy
A. Direct
B. Indirect
C. Constitutional
D. Islamic
E. Authoritarian
F. Participatory
The presidential system of government is a political structure where a president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. This system is prominently seen in countries like Nigeria, United States and South Africa. While it can offer a range of benefits, it also presents distinct challenges.
The presidential system of government is a complex structure with both advantages and disadvantages. While it promotes a clear separation of powers, direct electoral mandates, and stability, it also faces challenges like potential gridlock, over-concentration of power, and the focus on popularity rather than governance.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone interested in the political landscape, fostering informed discussions and critical thinking about governance structures around the world.
Please read an introduction to the presidential system of government alongside its features here.
Let’s explore the advantages (merits) and disadvantages (demerits) in an engaging manner.
1. Separation of Powers
One of the most significant benefits of the presidential system is the clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government. This separation ensures that no single entity has an overwhelming control over the government. However, understand that the constitution can also serve as a check to the president's misuse of power.
Through separation of power, the president can propose laws, but only congress (legislature) can enact them, while the judiciary interprets the law. This checks and balances system helps prevent the abuse of power, and promotes accountability.
Please read on the arms of government here.
2. Direct Electoral Mandate
The president is directly elected by the citizens, which gives them a strong mandate to implement their policies. This direct link to the electorate enhances the president's legitimacy.
Unlike the presidential system of government, an individual in a parliamentary system will often receive a personal mandate from his or her party members (legislature) alone, in order to represent a country as its prime minister.
The election of the president is not dependent on the legislature but rather, on the populace who voted in a presidential election. It is therefore considered to be more democratic.
In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari became Nigeria's first opposition leader to win a presidential election. He defeated the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan with about 2.1 million votes, demonstrating the direct support he had from a significant portion of the populace.
You can read on the types of democracy here.
3. Political Stability
A presidential system can provide political stability. Since the president is elected for a fixed term, they are less susceptible to being easily removed from office by the legislature. This allows for consistent leadership, which can lead to coherent policy-making.
An instance of presidential stability is seen in the United States where the president serves a four-year term, allowing for a relatively stable political landscape.
Note: Presidents are often not removed from office by a motion or vote of no confidence.
A motion of no confidence (or vote of no confidence (or a motion and corresponding vote of confidence) refers to the means through which prime ministers may be removed from office whenever they lose the confidence of the parliament (generally the lower house in a bicameral system) or a majority of the ruling party. Such vote of no confidence does not apply to a president.
Please read on the sources of political power here.
4. Efficient Decision-Making
In times of crisis, the presidential system can enable swift decision-making. The president can act decisively without needing extensive legislative approval. For example, during natural disasters or national emergencies, the president can quickly mobilize resources and direct response efforts.
You van read on feudalism in government here.
Other advantages of the presidential system of government will include the following:
The ministers (as appointed by the president) have full authority to manage their respective ministries, and are equally accountable for their decisions. In this regard, the president can dismiss a non-performing minister at any time.
The presidential system of government enables the president to hire experts (including nonpartisan individuals) to oversee different department of government parastatals or agencies.
The overall glory and failures on the management of the country (or nation) is received by the president.
Since the president is both the head of state and head of government, the presidential system therefore prevents friction in government (that may have occurred if both offices were headed by separate individuals).
In a presidrntial system, the judiciary becomes the last hope of the common man, even against the executive arm of government
You can read on zero party system here.
1. Legislative Challenges
One major downside is the possibility of gridlock resulting from legislative challenges. When the president and the majority of congress (senate and house of representatives) belong to opposing parties, legislation can stall, resulting in a lack of progress on crucial issues.
This was evident in the United States during the early 2010s when president Obama faced significant legislative challenges due to a republican-controlled congress.
2. Over-Concentration of Power
Critics argue that the presidential system can lead to an over-concentration of power in the executive branch. A strong president may push the limits of their authority, which could potentially lead to authoritarianism.
Countries like Venezuela have demonstrated how an initially democratic system can devolve when a president bypasses institutional checks.
Please read more on fascism here.
3. Election of Leaders based on Popularity
The focus on direct elections can turn presidential campaigns into popularity contests, rather than discussions of policy. Candidates often focus on image and charisma rather than their ability to govern, which can undermine the quality of leadership.
This phenomenon is seen in many electoral races worldwide, where candidates may prioritize catchy slogans over substantive debates. For instance, catchy slogans such as "it's my turn" and "renewed hope" won the hearts of many in the Nigerian 2023 presidential election.
You can read on the types of government here.
4. Limited Accountability
Once elected, a president can sometimes become unaccountable to the public or even ignore legislative mandates.
The fixed-term nature of the presidency implies that unless there is substantial misconduct, it might be difficult to remove an unpopular or ineffective president from office. This can lead to frustration among citizens who feel their votes no longer translate into effective governance.
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Amazing facts in Government
The shortest war ever lasted for just 38 minutes. This is the Anglo-Zanzibar War in 1896
174 world leaders signed the Paris Agreement on Earth Day in 2016 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. This agreement presents the largest number of countries ever to come together to sign anything on a single day. The agreement aims to combat climate change, accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed to strengthen the global climate effort
United States of America is comprised of fifty states and Washington D.C.
The letter 'q' is not present in any of the American states
White House in Washington has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms while Buckingham Palace in London has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms
Three United States presidents; John Adams (2nd US president), Thomas Jefferson (3rd US president), and James Monroe (5th US president) died on the 4th of July.
Coincidentally, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson also died the same year, and that's 1826.
Abraham Lincoln, the great human emancipator, freedom fighter and 16th American president was popular for the saying:
Government of the people, by the people and for the people
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America was a professional wrestler before he assumed the office of the American President. Interestingly, he was only defeated once in his wrestling career
Notable points in Government
Ecclesiocracy is a form of government whereby religious leaders are recognized as the first citizens of a state.
The religious leaders in ecclesiocracy do not proclaim themselves as a direct instrument of divine revelation concerning laws governing the society.
A typical example of ecclesiocracy is seen in Vatican City where the pope presides as the leader of the state. However, the pope does not claim to receive direct revelation from God concerning civil laws.
The grand Ayatollah of Iran (Ali Khamenei) and president of Sudan, Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir are also considered as instances of leaders in ecclesiocracy.
It is worthy of note to state that the laws and rules governing the land in ecclesiocracy are based on religious beliefs, thus making it somewhat related to theocracy.
One of the duties of the government is to make laws that govern the society. Without laws, some of the rich may oppress the poor. Similarly, some of the highly placed in the society may end up oppressing the weak without being brought to justice.
The absence of government in a society, country, nation, state or community is referred to as anarchy.
An instance of anarchy occurred in Somalia in 1991 after a dictator name Said Barre was overthrown. This made Somalia disintegrate into fractions with local warlords imposing their authority over their land.
Below are some of the functions of government:
It is the role of the government to protect and defend the fundamental human rights of her citizens.
The government maintains law and order through the law enforcement agencies. These will include the police, customs officers and other local securities.
It is the duty of the government to generate revenue. This can be achieved through foreign trade.
It is the responsibility of the government to maintain external relations with other countries. For this reason, the president may visit other countries for business and bilateral trade purposes. Similarly, other presidents may visit your country in this regard.
Government can be defined under the following headings:
1. As an institution of a state.
Government is defined as an institution, agency, machinery or instrument that is established to manage the affairs of general welfare of the people making up a state or country
2. As a process or as an act of governing.
Government is defined as the processes and methods involved in the formulation, administration and implementation of public policies from a procedure which had been specifically spelt out in the constitution of a country or state
3. As an academic field of study.
Government is defined as the study of institutions, theories, ideas, values and doctrines as relating to the acquisition and use of political power for the welfare of the people
The End Sars is considered a pressure group in Nigeria. It campaigned in the interest of Nigerian youths, thus forcing the Nigerian government into scrapping the Special Anti-Robbery Squard (SARS) who had constantly brutalized Nigerians, especially the youths; through extortion, indiscriminate shootings, threats and other violent conducts.
Unfortunately, some Nigerian youths paid the ultimate price with their lives at the Lekki tollgate massacre. This happened on the 20th day of October, 2020.
Burna Boy, a Nigerian musician made a song titled '20 : 10 : 20' in this regard.