WEEK EIGHT
TOPIC: GOVERNMENT
It is a group of people or constitution that direct the affairs of a country. They are put in place by people and it must possess political power. They maintain law and order in the society.
STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT
The structure of each arm of government depends on the operational systems of government in the country. In Nigeria, there are three tiers of government namely; the Federal of Nigeria, the state government and the local government. Each tier of government has the three arms of government.
The Federal Government
The federal executive is headed by the president and assisted by the vice president and others like secretary to the government of the federation and ministers. The make decisions for nation. The state government is headed by the governor who is assisted by the deputy governor, Secretary to the state government, commissioners etc.
The legislature at this level is bicameral in nature i.e. two houses; the House of Senate and the House of Representatives. The state government has unicameral legislature which os called ther state House of Assembly and it is headed by the speaker.
The judiciary is made of judges and headed by the justice of the federation and state judiciary is headed by the chief justice of the state.
Functions of Government
The arms of government are; the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
The Executive
1. Formulation and implementation of policies
2. Appointment of government functionaries like the head of government corporations, parastatals and agencies as well as ministers and commissioners.
3. Preparation of budget for the nation or the state through the minister or commissioner of finance.
4. The chief executive (president/governor) assents bill that has gone through normal legislative process before it becomes law.
5 it protects the country against external aggression through the military their, parastatals and other necessary agencies.
6. Protects the life and properties of the citizens
The Legislature
1. They make laws for the country.
2. They confirm and ratify the appointment of the head of government parastatals, agencies, ministers and commissioners etc.
3. They amend the constitution.
4. They approve the expenditure sent to them in form of bills by the executive.
5. They approve treaties with other countries before they can be singed the executive.
6. They serve as link between the people and the government as representatives of the people.
7. They serve as check and balance for other arms of government.
8. They have the power to investigate past and serving public officers.
9. They can investigate any government or public department on the grounds of corruption.,
The Judiciary
Their symbol is a stature of a woman covering her eyes with a cloth, holding a sword on her right hand and a balance on her left hand.
1. The judiciary interprets the law made by the legislature.
2. They settle disputes among associates, group etc.
3. They determine who guilty or innocent.
4 They settle disputes among other arms of government.