SSI GOVERNMENT 2ND TERM

SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK 1: Presidential System of Government
WEEK 2: Parliamentary System of Government
WEEK 3: Monarchy and Republican Government
WEEK 4: Military Government
WEEK 5: Constitution and Constitutionalism
WEEK 6: The Structure and Organization of Government
Mid-Term
WEEK 8: Some Basic Principles of Government: Rule of Law and Fundamental
Human Rights
WEEK 9: Separation of Power/Checks and Balances
WEEK 10: Representative Government/Political Participation
WEEK 11: Centralization and Decentralization of Government

WEEK 1: Presidential System of Government

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
a. Meaning and features of a presidential system of government
b. Functions of the president
c. Merits and demerits of a presidential system of government
In the presidential system of government, one person is both the Head of State
and the Head of Government. He performs ceremonial functions and exercises
executive powers. In other words, a presidential system of government is
where power and authority are concentrated in one executive president.
Countries that operate the presidential system include Nigeria, the USA, South
Africa, Ghana etc
Features of Presidential System of Government
 1. One person (the president) is both the Head of State and Head of
Government
2. The president is elected by the entire state directly or indirectly
3. The president stays in office for a fixed term and a minimum of two
terms
4. Principles of separation of powers exist in the presidential system
5. There is also the principle of checks and balances
6. The ministers are individually responsible to the president who can
appoint and remove them
7. There is supremacy of the constitution
8. Ministers can be appointed from anywhere, even from the opposition
party to form a coalition national government
9. Opposition parties are not officially recognized
10.The president can be removed from office through an impeachment
process
11.There is a bicameral legislature and bill can be introduced from any of
chambers
Functions of the President in Presidential System of Government
1. The president is the head of government. All executive powers are
vested in him
2. He is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces
3. He approves the bills passed by the legislature
4. The president is also the Head of State. He performs ceremonial
functions. He is the symbol of the state
5. He represents the state in other countries and in international
organisations
6. He receives dignitaries from other states e.g. Head of States and
governments of other countries or their representatives
7. He presents an annual budget speech to the joint session of the national
assembly
8. He initiates appropriation bills and other bills for discussion and approval
in the national assembly
9. He initiates government policies and implements them
10.He maintains law and order in the state through the law enforcement
agencies under his control
11.He negotiates and signs treaties or international agreements with other
countries
 12.He addresses a joint session of the national assembly
13.He appoints ministers and other government official subject to the
approval of the senate. He can also dismiss ministers and erring officials.
The president relieves ministers of his appointment by unilateral action
14.He exercises the prerogative of mercy (the right and power of a
sovereign, state president, or other supreme authority to commute a
death sentence, to change the mode of execution or pardon an
offender)
15.He can declare war or a state of emergency, subject to the approval of
the National Assembly
Merits of Presidential System of Government
1. It prevents the misuse and abuse of power due to the existence of
separation of power, checks and balances, and supremacy of the
constitution
2. The president is responsible and accountable to the people not only to
the legislature but to the entire country
3. As the president can appoint his minister from anywhere, he ensures
that the best and credible people are appointed as ministers
4. It is democratic. Even the president is directly or indirectly elected by the
electorate
5. It promotes political stability as one person is both the Head of State and
Head of Government. The friction and bickering that would have arisen
had it been two people are avoided
6. The principle of individual responsibility makes it possible to easily
identify who has responsibilities for certain functions and who is to be
blamed for lapses and inactions
7. The principle of judicial review promotes strict adherence to rule of law
and constitutionalism
8. It promotes wider political participation as more people participate in
elections or processes of public decision-making
Demerits of Presidential System of Government
1. Presidential system is expensive to operate
2. It can lead to corrupt practices such as lobbying, bribery and corruption
3. Impeachment process may be difficult allowing a bad president to stay
in power
 4. Decision-making process can be slow as some bills may be delayed
intentionally
5. The president can misuse or abuse the veto power he exercises in
passage of bills
6. Government action may be slowed down because of constant friction
between the executive and legislature
7. The president can abuse power due to the excess power he exercises
8. The president may be unresponsive to public demands and opinion as he
has a fixed term of office, most especially when he is in last term of his
tenure
9. The president may prove difficult to be controlled by the legislature

WEEK 2: PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

LESSON OBJECTIVES
i. Meaning of parliamentary system of government and its feature
ii. Powers of the Head of State (President/Monarch) and Head of
Government (Prime Minister)
iii. Collective responsibility: meaning and merits
iv. Merits and demerits of a parliamentary system
v. Difference between a presidential and parliamentary system of
government
The parliamentary system of government is a system of government in which
the Head of State is different from the Head of Government. The Head of State
performs ceremonial functions and the Head of Government performs
executive functions. It can also be described as a system in which the executive
is an integral part of the legislature. The Head of State can be an elected
president (Republics) or a Monarch (Monarchical state) while the Head of
Government is Prime Minister. Other names for the parliamentary system of
government are cabinet system or the Westminster system. Countries that
practice a parliamentary system of government include:
Features of Parliamentary System
1. Head of State is different from Head of Government
 2. There is a fusion of power as members of the executive are part of the
legislature
3. The Prime Minister appoints his ministers only from the legislature
4. The Head of Government is appointed by the Head of State
5. There is the supremacy of the legislature
6. There is a collective responsibility of the cabinet to the legislature
7. Parliamentary system of government permits the existence of official
opposition
8. The cabinet (including the Prime Minister) can be removed on a vote of
no confidence by parliament at any time
9. There is strict party discipline and allegiance
10.There is provision for an official opposition with an opposition leader
11.In a bicameral parliament, all bills are first introduced in the second
chamber
12.Carpet-crossing is allowed
Powers of the Head of State (Monarchical State)
1. He performs ceremonial functions
2. He represents the state outside the country and in international
organisations
3. He serves as the symbol of unity
4. He signs the bills into law
5. He has the power to dissolve the life of the parliament
6. He has the power after election to call on the majority leader in the
parliament to form the government
7. He exercises prerogative mercy
Powers of the Head of Government (Prime Minister)
The Head of Government is the Prime Minister who is usually appointed by the
majority party in the parliament. He is an elected member of the parliament
His powers include:
1. He appoints members of his cabinet from the majority party in the
parliament
2. He presides over the meetings of the cabinets
3. He forms the government
4. He appoints top government functionaries
5. He coordinates the activities of the government
 6. He exercises executive and legislative powers as he is a member of the
cabinet as well as a member of the parliament
7. He initiates executive bills and government policies
8. He represents his country in other countries and international
organisations
9. He advises the Head of State on the dissolution of the parliament
10.He serves as a link between the Head of State and the cabinet
COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Collective responsibility is one of the principles in a parliamentary system of
government which states that all members of the cabinet are accountable to
the legislature for executive actions and policies.
The cabinet speaks with one voice and stands or falls together. A minister
cannot oppose government policy, otherwise, the minister will resign
Merits of Collective Responsibility
1. It makes the executive indirectly answerable to the people who are
represented in the parliament by their own elected representative
2. It promotes political stability
3. It encourages efficiency due to collective action
4. It does not encourage shifting of responsibility or blame by the ministers
Merits of Parliamentary System of Government
1. It promotes harmony and cooperation between the executive and the
legislature
2. It promotes accountability and responsibility of the government to the
people through some inherent checks principles therein e.g. official
opposition recognition, and collective responsibility
3. It is less expensive
4. Decisions are quickly made since there is fusion of power
5. It eliminates constant disagreement and conflict between two arms of
government. This promotes political stability
6. It enhances party discipline and loyalty as members of the party in the
parliament voting on issues must adhere strictly to the party line
7. The government is kept under control by the opposition party
8. It also prevents the emergence of a dictator because of a vote of no
confidence that can be passed on the cabinet
Demerits of Parliamentary System of Government
1. Best qualified candidates may not be appointed as ministers because
ministers are appointed from only the ruling party in the parliament.
This can affect the efficiency of the legislature
2. It is not very democratic as the Head of Government (Prime Minister) is
not elected by the people but rather is appointed by the majority party
in the parliament
3. The Prime Minister is not directly responsible to the people rather he is
responsible to the legislature that appointed him
4. It is difficult to blame any minister who has failed to deliver due to the
principle of collective responsibility
5. The life of the cabinet is not secure since the legislature can dismiss the
entire cabinet with a vote of no confidence
6. The Prime Minister may become a dictator due to the enormous power
vested in him
7. There may be friction and unhealthy rivalry between the Head of state
and Government
8. The cabinet may not be committed, dedicated, focused, and accountable
because of the existence of collective responsibility which cannot hold a
minister individually responsible for lapse and inactions of the
government
Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential System
S/N PRESIDENTIAL PARLIAMENTARY
1. President is the Head of The president or Monarch is the
Government Head of State and the Prime
Minister the Head of Government
2. The president is popularly The Head of Government is
elected through direct or appointed by the Head of State from
indirect election by the people the majority party in the parliament
in the state
3. There is the existence of There is the existence of fusion of
separation of power power. Members of the executive
are part of the legislature
4. The ministers are individually The cabinet, including the Prime
responsible to the president Minister, is collectively responsible
who appointed them to the legislature
 5. Members of the executive The executive is part of the
cannot be members of the legislature
legislature
6. The constitution is supreme The parliament is supreme
7. The political office holders stay The prime minister and his cabinet
in office for a fixed term stay in office as long as they have
popular support in the parliament
8. The president can be removed The prime minister and his cabinet
from office through the can be removed from office through
impeachment process a vote of no confidence
9. Official opposition party is not Official opposition party is
constitutionally recognized constitutionally recognized and
given a role
10. The president can appoint his The Prime minister appoints
ministers from anywhere ministers from his party in the
parliament

WEEK 3: MONARCHY AND REPUBLICAN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
i. Define the term ‘Monarchy system of government’
ii. Discuss the forms of Monarchies
iii. List and explain the merits and demerits of a monarchy system of
government
A monarchy system of government is a form of government in which a group,
usually a family called a dynasty, embodies the country’s national identity with
one of its members exercising sovereignty over the country. In other words, it
is a political system based upon undivided sovereignty or rule of a single
person either officially or ceremonially.

Forms of Monarchical government

1. Absolute Monarchy: in this case, the monarch is the only source of laws.
The monarch has total power to make any law just by deciding it. Any
other institution in the country cannot make laws that affect the
monarch unless the monarch allows it. The monarch can also pick who
 gets to be the next monarch and can change the rules at any time. there
is usually no elected government or parliament, and if there is one, it has
no real power. This kind of government is rare today, there are about 7
countries that practice this: Qatar, Saudi Arabia etc
2. Constitutional monarch: this is a form of government that is usually
democratic and has a constitution with the monarch as head of state.
Either the monarch has to obey the laws like everyone else, or, there are
special laws that say what the monarch can and cannot do. Examples of
countries practicing this type of government are: UK, Sweden etc
Other types of monarchy are; dependent monarchies, hereditary monarchies
and Elective monarchies
Features of a monarchical system of government
1. It is a rule by one man or woman
2. The authority of the monarch is both traditional and informal.
3. It is usually practiced in small homogenous states
4. The monarch is often a permanent institution unaffected by changes in
government
5. The monarch is purportedly neutral in all political matters
6. There is a divine right or divine mandate of the king or queen
7. The palace of the monarch is popularly recognized as an important
center of power.
8. The people are extremely loyal to the monarch
9. In some cases, the system is characterized by hereditary
Merits of a monarchical system of government
a. It can lead to leadership stability
b. It is cheap to operate in the sense that is offers more savings with the
absence of election
c. It allows for nonpartisan leadership
d. It lessens cases of corruption
e. It brings leadership close to the people
f. It gives continuity to the policy of government
Demerits of a monarchical system of government
a. It may lead to poor or bad leadership
b. It does not allow for democratic legitimacy
 c. It invests too much power and fame to a single individual
d. Its structure is very difficult to change internally
e. Absolute monarchy can easily degenerate to tyranny or dictatorship
f. It does not promote mass political participation
REPUBLICAN SYSYTEM OF GOVERNMENT
LESSON OBJECTIVE:
i. Define the term ‘republican government’
ii. State the features of a republican system of government
iii. List and explain the merits and demerits of a republican government
A republican system of government is that system in which the sovereignty of
the state resides in the people. It can be described as a system in which people
elect officials to represent them and take political decisions on their behalf.
The distinguishing feature of a republic is the government is elected and not
inherited. Examples of state practicing this system of government include: US,
France, Ghana etc
Features of a republican system of government
1. The constitution prescribes a fixed term of office for the president and
governors
2. Elections are conducted periodically and all political positions are
contested for by individuals
3. Elections are held based on universal adult suffrage. This means all
qualified voters are allowed to cast their votes
4. The constitution is supreme
5. The principle of the rule of law is upheld
6. The fundamental human rights of all citizens are guaranteed under the
constitution
Merits of a republican system of government
1. It is a representative government having the interest of the people they
represent at heart in decision making
2. A republican government is constitutional meaning that all actions and
decisions are done according to tenets of the constitution
3. The people have a say in their governance
4. It promotes democratic principles
5. The rights and liberties of the citizens are protected
 6. It promotes political stability
7. It promotes the principle of equality
Demerits of a republican system of government
1. It can be expensive to operate
2. It works best in small communities
3. Decision making can be slow considering that certain processes have to
be adhered to
4. Elected officials may be tempted to serve special interest groups instead
the constituents that elected them to be their representative
5. It can be contentious as a result of many political parties contending for
control

WEEK 4: MILITARY GOVERNMENT

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
i. Define military government/rule
ii. State features of the military government
iii. List merits and demerits of military government
Military government is a form of unconstitutional administration of a state
headed by members of the armed forces. Based on martial laws after
successfully overthrowing the government of the state through a coup d’ etat –
a forceful takeover of government in a state by members of the armed forces.
In other words, it is a system of government in which all the governmental
powers of a state are taken over by the military class who then exercises
absolute governmental powers of the state.
Reasons for military intervention
1. When political leaders overstay in office
2. High level of corruption; political leaders receiving bribes, embezzlement
of funds etc
3. Neglect of opposition and suppression of criticism
4. Influence of coup d’ etat in other states
5. Influence of foreign powers
6. The inordinate ambition of the military
 7. Nepotism, favoritism and tribalism
8. Breakdown of law and order in the state
9. Election malpractice and violence
10.No respect for rule of law and violation of fundamental human rights
Features of a military government
1. Military governments come to power through coups and countercoups
2. The military government always suspends the constitution and rules
through decrees and edicts
3. Political power is usually centralized
4. Military government are dictatorial and do not tolerate citizens
5. Political associations and activities are outlawed
6. It appoints civilians into the government. Eg. Ministers and
commissioners
7. It uses coercion in the execution of government policies and laws
Advantages of the military government
1. It prevents the states from breaking up
2. The cost of governance is drastically reduced and the extra funds can be
used for developmental purposes
3. Decision making are usually fast effective. Eg. The creation of 12 states
of the federation by Gen Yakubu Gowon in 1967
4. The absence of opposition in a military government often ensures
stability
Demerits of the military government
1. The military is not, by training, prepared to administer the state, but to
defend the territorial integrity of the state
2. Military is usually characterized by corruption, tribalism, sectionalism
and nepotism
3. It is unconstitutional and undemocratic
4. The government is not accountable and responsible to the people
5. The military usually frustrates all efforts at establishing a democratic. For
instance, the banning of political associations and meetings
6. It is autocratic, dictatorial and despotic – having unlimited power
7. It curtails freedom of the press
8. There is an arbitrary use of power and abuse of fundamental human
rights
WEEK 5: CONSITUTION AND CONSTITUTIONALISM I
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
i. Define constitution
ii. State features of a constitution
iii. List and explain the sources of a constitution
A constitution can be defined as a set of fundamental legal-political rules that
are binding on everyone in the state, including the lawmakers themselves. In
other words, the constitution is a statement of the basic principles and laws of
a nation. It sets out the fundamental principles by which the state is governed.
It describes the main institutions of the state and defines the relationship
between these institutions
Features of a constitution
1. Preamble: this declares the aspiration and the people for which the
constitution is written
2. Structure of government: it states the structure of government that is
operational in the state
3. A constitution will specify political institutions that will be created, their
powers and their mode of relations
4. It will contain the type of government the country will operate eg
presidential or parliamentary
5. It will define the party system that will exist in a state eg. One-party
system, two-party system or multi-party system
6. It also specifies the administrative structure eg. The civil service
structure and its functions
7. It contains a list of fundamental human rights citizens can enjoy
8. It defines citizenship and ways of acquiring citizenship
9. It contains fundamental principles and objectives of a state eg. Political
ideology
10.It also contains an amendment
Sources of constitution
The following form the bases of the constitution of a state:
 a. History of the people: the past political development of the people
forms part of the history of the state and this is considered when
drafting the constitution of a such a country
b. Conventions (meeting of delegates): this covers political precepts and
practices over time, and they can form part of the constitution
c. The legislative enactments, acts of parliament act as some of the bases
for the constitution
d. Past constitutions of a state or other countries can also form the bases
of a new constitution
e. Constitutional conferences: these are usually organized during
constitutional development, and difficult constitutional issues are
discussed and resolved
f. Judicial precepts: key past judgements of law courts on constitutional
matters are often included in a new constitution
g. International laws and conventions, and international criminal codes are
included in a new constitution
h. Decrees and edicts also form part of a new constitution
i. Customs and traditions of the people are also included in the
constitution
Assignment: write the preamble for the Nigerian and American constitution

WEEK 6: CONSTITUTION AND CONSTITUTIONALISM II

LESSON OBJECTIVES
• Mention the types of constitution
• State their merits and demerits
Written constitution: this is a constitution that is contained and published in a
single document. A federal constitution is written and rigid. Modern states
operate written constitutions. For example; Nigeria, Liberia, USA, South Africa
Reasons for the adoption of a written constitution
1. It is easy to refer to a constitution that is written
2. It prevents confusion and uncertainty in the exercise of powers of each
organ of government
3. It can easily be obtained as it is contained in one single document
4. It can be amended or changed by following appropriate procedures
 5. It prevents the possible emergence of dictatorial rule
6. It clearly defines the powers and functions of each organ of government
thus it reduces conflicts among such organs
7. It guarantees fundamental human rights
Demerits of a written constitution
1. The amendment procedure is difficult and cumbersome thus making it
time consuming, expensive
2. Also, as the constitution is difficult to amend, changing situations and
emergencies may not be adequately taken care of
3. It is limited in scope as the law governing a state cannot all be put down
in a single document
4. Different people may give different interpretations to the provisions of
the constitution as such, it can breed conflicts and lead to frequent
litigation in courts
Unwritten constitution
An unwritten constitution is a body of rules and regulations governing the
affairs of a state that is not contained in a single document. Rather, the
provision of such a constitution is found in several documents, agreements,
charter, court verdicts, parliamentary resolutions, political precepts and
practices.
An unwritten constitution is flexible. Countries that operate such are; Britain,
New Zealand, Israel and Canada
Merits of an unwritten constitution
1. It can easily be amended
2. It is adaptable to changing conditions and emergencies
3. The areas of conflict due to interpretation of an unwritten constitution
are reduced because of the flexible nature
4. It promotes political stability as its flexible nature enhances smooth
governance
5. It enhances quick decision making and implementation
Demerits of an unwritten constitution
1. Unwritten constitutions can be manipulated by political leaders
2. It may deprive the citizens of knowing their rights and duties
 3. Citizen’s right may not be adequately guaranteed and it can also
undermine the ability of citizens to seek redress in court
4. It is susceptible to misinterpretation due to ambiguities
5. Unconstitutional acts may not be ascertained
6. There may be a possibility of conflicts arising among the arms of
government over unclear cut specifications of powers and functions
7. It is not suitable for multi-ethnic or heterogeneous society

WEEK 8: STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION OF GOVERNMENT: THE

LEGISLATURE
LESSON OBJECTIVE
a. Meaning, types, and functions of the Legislature
b. Supremacy of the legislature and limitations
c. Merits and demerits of unicameral and bicameral legislature
d. Passage of bill in presidential and parliamentary system of government
A legislature is an organ of government that enacts laws for orderliness in the
state. It debates executive policies (bills – a proposed law that needs to be
discussed before it can become law) and initiates its own policies. These
policies when approved become laws
In Nigeria, the legislature includes the National Assembly (the senate and
House of representatives), the State House of Assembly, and the council.
There are two types of legislature; The Unicameral and Bicameral legislature
a. The unicameral legislature is one that has only one chamber or House
e.g. the state House of Assembly. Countries that operate unicameralism
include Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Israel, New Zealand etc
MERITS OF A UNICAMERAL LEGISLATURE
1. Unicameralism is less expensive since only members of one legislative
chamber are taken care of
2. Legislative process is quick as bills go through only one chamber to be
passed into law
 3. It saves the legislature from unnecessary rivalry between lower and
upper houses
4. Unicameralism is democratic as the members most of the time are
elected
5. It is simple and easy to operate
DEMERITS OF UNICAMERALISM
1. It does not provide sufficient check against hasty, rushed and careless
legislation
2. It can lead to tyranny and dictatorship of the executive as the strength of
a single chamber may not be able to check the executive
3. Unicameralism is not suitable for the Federal system as there is no
second chamber to represent geographical or state interest
4. It may not represent the interest of the minorities adequately as the
representatives may come from the majority groups
5. It denies the country the services of experienced statesmen, who would
have been members of the legislature
6. It limits political participation
b. Bicameral legislature: this is a legislature with two legislative chambers
or Houses e.g. the National Assembly in Nigeria; The senate and house
of representative. Countries that operate bicameral legislature include
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Israel, Bulgaria, Nigeria
MERITS OF BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE (class activity)
1. It gives room for thoroughness in the process of law making because two
houses have the opportunity to debate and examine bills before
becoming law
2. The existence of two chambers provides checks and balances on the
overall legislative process
3. The second chamber allows equal representation of constituencies and
therefore more democratic
4. It helps to check against the tyranny of a single chamber
5. It encourages wider scope of political participation
6. It provides more effective check on the executive than a single chamber
legislature
7. It reduces the workload of the lower house
DEMERITS OF BICAMERALISM (class activity)
 1. It is expensive
2. There may be unhealthy rivalry between the upper and lower chambers
3. It may be used as a means of securing employment for defeated
politicians during elections (hence it is seen as a dumping ground for
political rejects)
4. It may cause unnecessary delay in the passage of bills, especially during
emergency periods
5. It has been criticized as being unnecessary and just a duplication of
functions and efforts
PASSAGE OF BILLS IN PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
Bill; a draft or an item proposed legislation, or law, undergoes the following
process before it becomes law
a. Notice of the bills is presented to the clerk of the house
b. First reading – it is formally presented and introduced
c. Second reading – members deliberate to determine the general
principles of the proposed bill
d. Committee stage – it is sent to appropriate committee for a thorough
examination
e. Report stage – various amendments are made at this stage
f. Third reading – at this stage, no new amendment is entertained
g. Head of State Assent – it is then signed to law by the Head of state and
becomes an act of parliament
PASSAGE OF BILLS IN PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
a. First reading – the title is announced without declaration. It is then
printed and circulated to members for close study
b. Second reading – the bill is read again and a debate on the general
principles of the bill is done
c. Committee stage – sent to appropriate committee for examination
d. Report stage
e. Third reading – further study is done by the entire house with all
ambiguous clauses cleared
f. Senate/House of representatives debate – the bill is sent to the other
house to pass through the same process
g. Presidential assent: This is the final stage; the president signs the bill into
law
FUNCTIONS/POWERS OF THE LEGISLATURE
1. The legislature makes laws
2. It controls public finance by passing necessary appropriation bills and
scrutinizing public expenditure
3. It approves the government nominations to important state offices e.g
ministers, ambassadors and heads government agencies, and parastatals
4. Legislature amends the constitution and other laws
5. It ratifies government treaties and agreements with other countries
6. It serves as a link between the people and the government
7. It can impeach public office holders or pass votes of no confidence on
them
8. It considers and deals with public petitions, complaints and grievances
9. It approves a declaration of war and a state of emergency
10.It approves the creation of new states and local governments
SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT
Supremacy of the parliament can be described as the exclusive right of the
parliament to make and unmake laws without external control. The parliament
has ultimate power on constitutional issues with the constitution. This
however only exists mainly in a parliament system of government
LIMITATIONS TO THE SUPREMACY OF LEGISLATURE
1. The constitution limits the role of the parliament
2. Judicial review: The supreme court can review acts of the legislature (the
enactment of a law) and declare them null and void if they contravene
the provisions of the constitution
3. International constraints
4. Laws made by international organizations, of which the country is a
member, can also limit the legislature’s supremacy
5. Activities of interest groups/pressure groups are also limitations
6. The resources available in the country e.g. if the country is dependent on
other countries
7. The executive can limit the parliament by dissolving the parliament
through a vote of no confidence or veto power in a presidential system
8. The mace limits the activities of the legislature as decisions made if the
mace is absent cannot stand.
QUESTIONS
1. Enumerate the functions of modern legislature
2a. What is supremacy of the legislature
2b. What are the limitations of the legislature?
3a. Explain Unicameralism
3b. Give 3 merits and 3 demerits of unicameralism
4a. What is bicameralism?
4b. Give 3 merits and 3 demerits of bicameralism
5. How a bill is passed into law in presidential system?
6. Discuss the process of passing bills into law in parliamentary system

WEEK 9: STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION OF GOVERNMENT: THE EXECUTIVE

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
a. Meaning and types of executive arm of government
b. The functions/powers of the executive arm of government
c. Executive relationship with other arms of government
The executive is the organ of government that initiates and implements
government policies and laws. It carries out government policies and
programs; not only to carry out the law but act on matters most covered by
the law. It is considered as the embodiment of government.
TYPES OF EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT
1. Presidential system of government: In a presidential system of
government, the executive arm comprises the President who exercises
real executive powers, and then appoints ministers who will complete
the membership of the executive arm.
2. Parliamentary system of government: In a parliamentary system of
government, the executive is the cabinet which comprises the prime
minister (the head of government) and other minister. The head of state
remains a ceremonial president
Other types of executive arm of government are:
 a. Collegiate/plural executive: here the executive powers are shared
either within a group or between 2 or more individuals. An example is
the federal council of Switzerland
b. Bicephalous/dual executive: in this case, the executive is headed by 2
individuals; the head of state and head of government. However, the
head of state is merely ceremonially in his/her duties. An example is the
UK
c. Monocephallous/single executive: this allows a single head. All
executive power is vested in one person. Eg. The president in a
presidential system as it is in Nigeria, US etc
FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
1. They formulate policies of the government
2. They implement government policies, projects and laws
3. They appoint and remove top officials of the state with the approval of
the legislature
4. They declare war and states of emergency
5. They exercise the prerogative of mercy
6. They initiate bills including monetary and appropriation bills
7. The executive prepares and presents the budget
8. They maintain law and order
9. The president signs bill into law
10.The executive protects the state from external attacks as commander-in-
chief of the armed forces
LIMITATIONS ON THE POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE
1. The actions of the executive can be checked by aggressive constructive
criticism from the opposing party
2. The legislature can impeach the head of the executive arm
3. Public opinion expressed through the press can, to large extent,
influence the actions of the executive
4. It is the legislature that approves the budget from the executive thus
they have a right to probe and question the executive on this
5. The judiciary can influence the executive through a judicial review

Questions:
1. one of these countries operates collegial executive
a. Britain
WEEK 10: STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION OF GOVERNMENT: THE
JUDICIARY
LESSON OBJECTIVES
a. Meaning and characteristics of judiciary
b. The functions/powers of the judiciary
c. Independence of the judiciary and factors that can secure it
The Judiciary is an arm of government that interprets the law and adjudicates
cases. It asserts meaning to law and administers justice in a state. Judges are
appointed by the executive on the advice of the judicial service commission
and can only be removed on the grounds of proven misconduct and after due
process of enquiry.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JUDICIARY
1. Impartiality
2. Political neutrality
3. Permanence
4. Independence
5. Professionalism
6. Stability of tenure of office
7. Judicial immunity
8. There is a prescribed code of conduct that guides its activities
FUNCTIONS OF THE JUDICIARY
1. The judiciary interprets the law in the state including the constitution
and acts of parliament
2. It punishes law offenders
3. It settles disputes between aggrieved parties e.g. Individuals, corporate
bodies, government etc.
4. It reviews the actions of both the legislative and the executive through
judicial review
5. It makes laws through judicial precedents and pronouncements
6. It performs ceremonial functions e.g. the administration of oath of office
7. It preserves fundamental human rights
8. It compels the executive to perform its duties
 9. It performs administrative functions such probating wills, management
of estates in the interest of minors etc.
JUDICIAL REVIEWS
A judicial review refers to the power of the court (judiciary) to determine if
actions of other arms of government are in accordance with the provisions of
the constitution, if otherwise can declare such act unconstitutional, null and
void.
INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY
This refers to the freedom of the judiciary to administer justice without
interference or control from the other arms of government or the rich on the
society. It can also imply impartiality of the judges, absence of external
influence and lack of bias in adjudicating cases by courts
FACTORS THAT ENSURE JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
1. The appointment of judges should be based on the recommendation of
independent/impartial body
2. Judges should enjoy the security of tenure i.e. a fixed tenure
3. Appointment, selection and promotion of judges should only be on
merit
4. Appointment of judges should also be based on personal integrity
5. The salaries of the judges should be paid from consolidated funds and
their remuneration should be adequate
6. The judges should be politically neutral and non-partisan
7. The judges are to enjoy immunity in respect of official acts
8. Decisions of the judge are not subject to changes by other arms of
government
9. Adequate security shall be provided for the judged within and outside
the court

WEEK 11: SOME BASIC PRINICIPLES OF GOVERNMENT: RULE OF LAW AND

FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
LESSON OBJECTIVES
a. Meaning of the principles of rule of law
b. Importance and merits of the rule of law
 c. Factors that can promote application of the rule of law
Meaning: the rule of law is the principle that the law is supreme and that all
citizens – including members of the government – are equally subject to it and
equally entitled to its protection. Simply put, it is the predominance of law
over everybody.
The concept was made popular by Prof. AV Dicey in his book “Espirit de law” in
the year 1885 and he claimed that every citizen is subject to the law, including
the lawmakers themselves.
Features/Principles of the rule of law
1. Equality before the law: this implies that all men are equal before the
law and that no one is above the law. The law should not be
manipulated to favour anyone irrespective of wealth, post, class or
status.
2. Supremacy of regular law: this means that the dues process of law
should be followed in dealing with offenders. No one should be
punished or made to suffer in body or goods except for distinct violation
of the established law of the land.
3. Guarantee of fundamental human rights: it explains that the
fundamental human rights are natural and inalienable rights of
individual citizens that are not derived from the constitution in the sense
that whenever the constitution is suspended, citizens are still entitled to
the fundamental freedom.
4. Separation of power
5. Principle of fair hearing: this states that anyone arrested for an offence
must be treated innocent until proven guilty. He/she must have a
counsel to represent them, and must be heard and tried in a court of law
before being sentenced. It also postulates that anyone who is arbitrarily
arrested cannot be held for more than twenty-four hours – Habeas
Corpus
Factors limiting the application of the rule of law
1. State of emergency: the rule of law may be limited when a state of
emergency is declared in a place i.e. a situation of national danger or
disaster in which a government suspends constitutional procedures in
order to regain control. This can lead to abuse of human rights such as
restriction of movement
 2. The type of government in operation: the type of government such as
military government can lead to autocracy and dictatorship which will
limit the application of the rule of law
3. Partial judiciary: when there is a partial judiciary or lack of
independence of the judiciary, the rights of individuals may not be
guaranteed
4. Special or administrative tribunals: such tribunals adopt a special
system of trial different from that of the ordinary courts and they do not
allow appeals against their judgment
5. Diplomatic immunity: ambassadors cannot be sued and prosecuted in
the countries where they are serving, rather they can be repatriated.
Also, some people in government such as the president or governors
enjoy immunity
6. Parliamentary immunity: members of the parliament cannot be sued or
prosecuted based on the statements they make on the floor of the
house
7. Security of state: the rule of law can be limited when security personnel
such as the police carries out their duty to maintain security, and law
and order. In such cases, some peoples’ right may be violated
8. Insanity: the rule of law does not apply to people suffering from mental
disorder and they are therefore not treated equally under the law
Factors that can aid the successful application of the rule of law
1. Offenders should be tried publicly without any form of secrecy
2. Existence of a free press
3. Existence of a democratic system of government
4. Independent and impartial judiciary
5. Granting of citizens, the right to appeal
6. Separation of power between the arms of government
7. The constitution should be supreme
8. Justice should not be delayed
Importance of the rule of law
1. It guarantees equality before the law
2. It protects individuals’ right
3. It makes the law supreme
4. Both the ruler and those they are ruling are equal before the law
5. It guarantees freedom of the judiciary
6. An accused person is not condemned until he/she is proven guilty by the
court of law
7. It encourages separation of power
8. It also guarantees checks and balances