NTRODUCTION

TO
INTR 00UCTI 0N
TO
mcnL SCIENCE
POLITICAL SCIENCE

I NTERNATIONAL STUDENT EDITION

.i
. i I
ISBN 978-007-054-0
P.A. ASSIBONG Ph.D
-
'
 INTRODUCTION
TO
POLITICAL SCIENCE

Ntufam: Patrick AGBOR ASSIBONG

B.Sc (Hons) , M .Sc, Ph.D Political Science
(Specialized in the Political Economy of
Development and Underdevelopment)

FIRST EDITION

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EDITION

. , 7rf1

I must thank the l

DEDICATION Road Branch fo~
printing of the fm
This text book is dedicated to all my students
past and present whose quest for knowledge
precipitated the writing of this book. I have to thank
Management Cor
issued the Intern~
me.

My sincere thank
for typing the rr
environment for 1
I also benefited
Ntufam (Dr.) Stl
and Tony Ante,
Worgu Power, D
Onanawo, Henry
Moses Ojong Eg
the rudimentary ;
avoid prosecutic
secondary source

I must thank Nd
for proof reading
Cedar Ernest Ak
Ubani and Bernie
I have the gooc
Postgraduate Stu
of Calabar, Uni\
State who may r
Political Science
writing of this bo
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I must thank the Bank Manager of First Bank ofNigeria Calabar, Calabar
Road Branch for approving the loan which helped me to pay for the
printing of the first one thousand copies of this book.

I have to thank the University of Calabar Peer Review and Press

Management Committee which after a thorough assessment of the book
issued the International Standard Book Number (ISBN 978-007-054-0) to
me.

My sincere thanks also go to Mrs. Florence Etuk and Madam Lucy Eyong
for typing the manuscript and my children for creating the necessary
environment for the writing of this book.
I also benefited from the comments of the subsequent friends: Late
Ntufam (Dr.) Stephen Ajom, Barristers Fidelis Akpan, Johnson Ukam
and Tony Ante, Messrs; Nwangwu Cyril, James Anyia, Segun Joshua,
Worgu Power, David Ndip, Francis Manchang, Samuel Agbe, Sam Oni,
Onanawo, Henry Fonge, Emmanuel Ene, William Esame, Solomon Nsun,
Moses Ojong Egbe and particularly Mr. E.A. Udoh who schooled me on
the rudimentary aspects of the Nigerian Press Law which enabled me to
avoid prosecution for slander and innuendo. I also consulted many
secondary sources including text books as the bibliography clearly show.

I must thank Ndukwu Ndukwe, Jude Iheancho and the following ladies
for proof reading the book: Sarah Oben, Franca Onwusoro, Agbara Tesy,
Cedar Ernest Akwang, Chinyere Osueke, Martina Nyiam Jabe, Kelechi
Ubani and Bernice Nkong.
I have the good fortune to teach very intelligent Undergraduate and
Postgraduate Students at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University
of Calabar, University of Buea and Covenant University in Ota, Ogun
State who may not know that their quest for a "definitive" text book in
Political Science to displace those by "hungry authors" precipitated the
writing of this book.

ii
I bear full responsibility for any short comings of this book and not those
mentioned above. I am appealing to all my critics not to dismiss with the
wave of their hand, what took me many sleepless nights to write.
Being fully awa
quick money than in b
Political Science, goven
studies and public adm
December, 2015 decided to write this bool
Dept. of Political Science and Ntufam(Dr.) Assibong, P.A.
International Relations , (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D,
The chapters de
Covenant University, Ota, ideologies, power, politic
Ogun State, Nigeria. be useful for most pos
universities.

The principal c
his/her examination in Pi
four months in research:
experience as a classroon
education and universit
Examiner in Government
all the topics in this boc
student of political scier
book. It is my hope that s

I am however
volume which took me t
entirety. Suggestions and

In order to avoi<
lovers are advised in t1
Science and Political Scit

December, 20 15
AgborDept. of Political S
International Relations ,
Covenant University, Ota
Ogun State-Nigeria.
iii
is book and not those PRE~ ACE
)t to dismiss with the
>to write. Being fully aware that most authors are more interested in making
quick money than in honestly presenting useful academic materials for
Political Science, government, international relations, policy and strategic
studies and public administration students in schools and universities, I
·.) Assibong, P.A. decided to write this book.
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D,
The chapters dealing with the crisis of development, the "isms" or
ideologies, power, political parties and government in action etc. could also
be useful for most postgraduate students in Nigerian and other African
universities.

The principal concern of this book is to enable the student pass

his/her examination in Political Science and Government, hence I spent over
four months in researching and writing this book. I also invested 30years
experience as a classroom teacher in secondary schools, institutes, colleges of
education and universities and also my experience as a W AEC/GCE
Examiner in Government and Political Science in putting finishing touches to
all the topics in this book. I have done some work, so what is left for the
student of political science is to read and understand the materials in this
book. It is my hope that students would find this text book indispensible.

I am however appealing to any possible critic not to reject this

volume which took me much time and many sleepless nights to write in its
entirety. Suggestions and corrections would be accepted in good faith.

In order to avoid disarticulation, laypersons, students and knowledge

lovers are advised in their own interest to buy Perspectives in Political
Science and Political Science in Africa.

December, 2015 Chief (Dr.) AssibongP.

AgborDept. ofPolitical Science and (Political Economist)
International Relations ,
Covenant University, Ota,
Ogun State-Nigeria.

iv
 ©Assibong, P.A. 2015
·: HAPTER ONE
Published in Nigeria by the University of Calabar Press
i .1 BAStS OF GOVERN
1.1.1 Definition of G
1.1 .2 Definition of P
All rights reserved, no parts of this publication may be 1.1.3 Use of Govern
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any 1.2 BASIC CONCEPTS
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, 1.2.1 Power
recording or otherwise, 1.2.2 How power is a
1.2.3 How power is el
without the prior permission of the author
1 .2 .4 Other forms of
1.2.5 Authority
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way 1.2.6 Influence
of - 1.2.7 Citizenship
tradeor otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise 1.2.8 Sovereignty
circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of 1.2.9 Centralization a
binding or 1.2.1 0 Representative
1.2.11 Prerequ1s1tes of
other than that in which is published and without a similar
1.2.12 Merits of repres
condition including this condition being imposed on the 1.2.13 Demerits of rep
subsequent purchaser. 1.2 .14 Factors against
1.2 .15 Monarchy
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data 1.2.16 Merits of mona
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE 1.2.17 Demerits of mo
1.2.18 Oligarchy
ISBN 978-007-054-0
1.2.19 Aristocra cy
1.3 THE- ISMS
Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication Data 1.3.1 Communalism
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE 1.3.2 Main features
ISBN 978-007-054-0 1.3.3 Capitalism
1.3.4 Charactenstics
Printed in Nigeria by the University of Calabar 1.3.5 Advantages of
Printing Company. Calabar 1.3.6 Disadvantages
1.3.7 Socialism
v
1 .3.8 Basic principle
 CONTENTS
15 PAGE(S)
RONE
BAStS OF GOVERNMENT 1
y of Calabar Press •.

1.1.1 Definition of Government 1

1.1.2 Definition of Political Science 2
ublication may be 1.1.3 Use of Government and Political Science 6
or transmitted in any 1.2 BASIC CONCEPTS 7
~anical, photocopy, 1.2.1 Power 7
1e, 1.2.2 How power is acquired 9
(the author 1.2.3 How power is exercised 11
1.2.4 Other forms of power 12
1.2.5 Authority 14
hat it shall not, by way 16
1.2.6 Influence
1.2.7 Citizenship 17
~d out or otherwise 1.2.8 Sovereignty 19
·onsent in any form of 1.2.9 Centralization and Decentralization 21
1.2.1 0 Representative Government 26
zd without a similar 1.2.11 Prerequ1s1tes of representative democracy 27
1.2.12 Merits of representative democracy 32
rzg imposed on the
1.2.13 Demerits of representative democracy 33
"'· 1.2.14 Factors against representative democracy 34
1.2.15 Monarchy 35
blication Data 1.2 .16 Merits of monarchy . 36
tLSCIENCE 1.2.17 Demerits of monarchy 37
1.2.18 Oligarchy 37
1.2.19 Aristocracy 38
1.3 THE-ISMS 39
Publication Data
1.3.1 Communalism 39
ILSCIENCE 1.3.2 Main features of communalism 39
1.3.3 Capitalism 41
1.3.4 Characteristics of capitalism 42
ty of Calabar
1.3.5 Advantages of capitalism 43
bar 1.3.6 Disadvantages of capitalism 44
1.3.7 Socialism 46
1.3.8 Basic principles of socialism 46

VI
... ;~·-

1.3.9 Advantages of socialism 47 2.1 .2 Political c

1.3.1 0 Disadvantages of socialism 48 2.1.3 The dete
1.3.11 Marxism and Communism 50 ~.2 POLITICAL CU
1.3.12 The Main principles of Marxism/Communism 50 ~.3 POLITICAL SOl
1.3.13 Totalitarianism 52 2.3.1 Agents o
1.3.14 Fascism 54 ~.4 POLITICAL PRt
1.3.15 Feudalism 54 2.4.1 Principle
1.3.16 Collectivism 55 2.4.2 The limit1
1.4 THE STATE 57 2.5 POLITICAL VIC
1.4.1 Definition and Relationship with Government 57 2.5.1 Causes<
1.4.2 The Difference between the State and the I 2.5.2 Types of
Government 58 2.5 .3 How to a
I POLITICAL INT
1.4.3 Features of the State 59 2.6
I
1.4.4 General functions of Government 60 2.6.1 Problem\
1.4.5 The Regulatory functions of Government 61 2.7 POLITICAL DE
1.4.6 The Enterprising functions of Government 61 2.8 POLITICAL BE
1.4.7 Other functions of Government; Public Policy 62 2.9 ADMINISTRAT
1.4.8 Bureaucracy, Politics and Public Policy 63 2.9. 1 Commol1
2 .9.2 Forms o1
1.4.9 Politics as a science
1.4.10 The Legislature
71
74
I I 2.9.3 Why est~
I
I 2.9.4 Control
1.4.11 Functions of the Legislature 74
1.4.12 Qualifications required for membership 76 2. 9. 5 Demerit
1.4.13 Bicameralism 76 2.10 SOCIAL MOBL
1.4.14 Demerits of bicameralism 77 2.1 0.1 Results
1.4.15 Unicameralism 78 2.11 PROBLEMS 0
1.4.16 Duties of members of Parliament 79 2.11.1 Legitima
I 2.11.2 Nationa
1.4.17 The Executive 80
1.4.18 The Judiciary 81 I 2.11.3 Nationa
1.4.19 The independence of the judiciary 82 2.11.4 Particip
1.4.20 Relationship between the Executive 2.11.5 Penetra
. and the Judiciary 83 \ 2.11.6 Distribu
1.4.21 Powers of the Supreme Court 83 2.12 SEPARATION
2.12.1 Checks
CHAPTER TWO 2.12.2 The ru
2.1 GOVERNMENT IN ACTION 85
I 2.12.3 Proble
2.1.1 Political participation 85 2.13 CONSTITUTI

VII

•-..
 47 2.1.2 Political apathy 89
48 2.1.3 The determinants of participation 90
50 .2 POLITICAL CULTURE 92
/Communism 50 .3 POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION 94
52 2.3.1 Agents of political socialization 94
54 .4 POLITICAL PROPAGANDA 96
54 2.4.1 Principles of war propaganda 98
55 2.4.2 The limits of propaganda 99
57 2.5 POLITICAL VIOLENCE 100
Government 57 2.5.1 Causes of violence 101
te and the 2.5.2 Types of Political Violence 102
58 2.5.3 How to avoid political violence 103
59 2.6 POLITICAL INTEGRATION 104
lt 60 2.6.1 Problems of integration 106
rernment 61 2.7 POLITICAL DECAY 107
tvernment 61 2.8 POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR 110
Public Policy 62 2.9 ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE 111
Policy 63 2.9.1 Common features of tribunals 112
71 2.9.2 Forms of Administrative justice 112
74 2.9.3 Why establish administrative tribunals 113
74 2.9.4 Control of administrative tribunals 115
ership 76 2.9.5 Demerits of administrative tribunals 116
76 2.10 SOCIAL MOBLIZATION 118
77 2.1 0.1 Results of social Mobilization 118
78 2.11 PROBLEMS OR CRISIS OF DEVELOPMENT 119
79 2.11.1 Legitimacy 120
80 2.11.2 National Identity 122
81 2.11.3 National integration 122
( 82 2.11.4 Participation 123
ve
2.11.5 Penetration 124
83 2.11.6 Distribution 125
83 2.12 SEPARATION OF POWER 125
2.12.1 Checks and balances
2.12.2 The rule of law
.. 127
129
85 2.12.3 Problems of maintaining the rule of law 133
85 2.13 CONSTITUTIONALISM 134

viii
I ,.iff7 · -
2.13.1 Constitutional limitations
2.13.2 Problems of constitutionalism
2.13.3 Merits of constitutionalism
2.14 DELEGATED LEGISLATION
2.14.1 Forms of delegated legislation
2.14.2 Advantages of delegated legislation
2.14.3 Disadvantages of delegated legislation
2.14.4 Limitation or Control of delegated legislation

CHAPTER THREE
3.1 TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF
GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR CONSTITUTIONS 143
3.1.1 Definition of constitution 143
3.1.2 Sources of constitution 144
3.1.3 Scope of constitution 145
3.1.4 Importance of constitution 149
3.1.5 Characteristics of a good constitution 150
3.1.6 Rigid constitution 151
3.1.7 Flexible constitution 152
3.2 FEDERALISM 152
3.2.1 How powers and functions are shared 153
3.2.2. Factors that give rise to federation 153
3.2.3 Merits of Federalism 155
3.2.4 Demerits of Federalism 156
3.3 UNITARY STATE 157
3.3.1 Main features of a unitary state 157
3.3.2 Merits of unitary states 159
3.3.3 Demerits of unitary states 159
3.3.4 Differences between Federal and unitary
constitutions 160 4
3.4 PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT 161
3.4.1 Main characteristics of Presidentialism 161
3.4.2 Advantages of a presidentialism 163
3.4.3 Disadvantages of a presidentialism 163
3.5 PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT 165
3.5.1 The main characteristics of Parliamentarisrn 165
IX
 135 3.5.2 Responsibilities of a Cabinet Minister / 166
:;m 136 3.5.3 Advantages of parliamentarism ... 167
137 3.5.4 Disadvantages of the parliamentary system 168
138 3.5.5 Presidentialism and Parliamentarism compared 169
:ron 138 3.6 CONFEDERATION 170
!gislation 140
j legislation
3.6.1 Definition 170
141 3.6.2 Main features 170
~gated legislation 141
CHAPTER FOUR
i OF
4.1 THE PARTY SYSTEM 172
4.1.1 Advantages of the party system 172
NSTITUTIONS 143 4.1.2 Disadvantages of the party system 173
143 4.1.3 Types of party systems 174
144 4.1.4 The Non-party state 174
145 4.1.5 One party system 174
149 4.1.6 Merits of one party system 175
nstitution 150 4.1.7 Demerits of one party state 176
151 4.1.8 A two party system 176
152 4.1.9 Merits of a two party system 176
152 4.1 .10 Demerits of a two party system 177
re shared 153
ration
4.1.11 Multi-party system 177
153 4.1.12 Merits of a multi-party system 177
155 4.1.13 Demerits of a multi-pa_rty system 178
156 4.2 POLITICAL PARTIES 179
157 4.2.1 Organization 180
1te 157 4.2.2 Functions of Political Parties 182
159 4.2.3 Types of Political Parties 183
159 4.2.4 Characteristics of Political Parties 185
and unitary
4.2.5 The "Modus Operandi" of Politics Parties 187
160 4.3 PRESSURE OR INTEREST GROUPS 188
ERNMENT 161 4.3.1 Characteristics 188
~e~tialism 161 4.3.2 Types of pressure groups 189
163 4.3.3 Functions of pressure groups 190
(ialism 163
DVEHNMENT
4.3.4 Modes of operations 191
165 4.3.5 Impediments to pressure groups 193
rliamentarisrn 165 4.3.6 Political Parties and Pressure Groups 195
 4.3.7 Some political parti~8 196
4.3.8 The National Republicc=tn Lonvenlion (NRC) 196
4.3.9 The social uernocrc-t lic pnrty (~DP) 200

HIHL IOGRAPHY 204

)) Centralization!
,?) Public Policy ~
3)
I
Diagram shovJ

XI
 196
Invention (Nf-<C) 196
(~DP) 200
LIST OF FIGURES
204

1) Centralization and Decentralization 22

2) Public Policy Diagram 62
3) Diagram showing separation of powers 126

xii
t ~frF '

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AFRC Armed Forces Ruling Council
AU African Union ~ THE BASIS
BMM Brigade Mixte Mobile In order to
CIA Central Intelligence Agency >litics in the Co
CNU Cameroon National Union 1
tyman must firs
CPOM Cameroon People's Democratic Movement
DC S Developed Countries ~nciples or main i
EEC European Econom1c Commission r
e definitional pole
FE DECO Federal Electoral Comm1ss1on \ a subject, the va
FNLA National Front for the Liberation of Angola e Power, influer
IMF International Monetary Fund
IRIC
kntion but a few.
Institute de Relation lnternationale du
Cameroun
KGB Committee for State Secunty '1.1 DEFINITION
KPU Kenyan People's Un1on . I The term gm
LDCS Less Developed Countries :. the body that is
MP Member of Parliament
gional or local-an
MPLA Population Movement for the L1berat1on of
Angola ree hundred and E
NATO North Atlantic Organization ~ined that Politics "
NPA Nigerian Ports Authonty I .
~1ence, such as t e
h
NPN Nat1onal Party of Nigena ~nduct of Public aff<
NRC National Republic Conventton
NYSC National Youth Serv1ce Corps
I Generally sp
OAU Organ1zat1on of Afncan Unl!y ·dering of a gro
PDP Peoples Democratic Party :g anizat1on The
Ph .D Doctor of Philosophy overnment. Gove
POLISARIO "Frente Popular Para La L1berac1on de Sangna el gan1zing. Hence
Hamra Rio del Oro· (Popular Front for the Liberation
;sociation like the
of the Saharaw1 People)
PRP Peoples Redempt1on Pa rty eople's Club of N
I
SADR Saharaw1 Arab Democrat1c Republic ell as the Governm
SEDOC- Service de Documentation W hen viewe
SDP Soc1al Democratic Party I
lfers to the_ manag
SMC • Supreme Military Council
~overn ment 1s seen
SONARA Societe Natioanle De Raff1nage
UNO United Nations Organ1zat1on ays and manners
UPC Un1on Populaire du Cameroun is seen here as a
USA United .States of Amenca at the state pur
USSR Union ~=Jf the Soviet Socialist Republics (Now the overnments are t
' Commonwealth of Independent States.) ased on fami ly rela
XIII