Comprehensive Guide on SSS 1 Revision and Examination for Government Second Term

1. Unitary Government

Meaning
A unitary government is a system where political power is concentrated in a single central authority. Any regional authorities derive their powers from this central body.

Main Features

• Centralized power: All governing powers are vested in the national government.
• Uniformity in laws: The national government enacts laws applicable to the entire country.
• No division of sovereignty: The central government holds all constitutional powers, and regional governments have limited power.

Advantages

• Efficient decision-making, as decisions are made by a single governing body.
• A unified policy direction across the country.
• Economical in terms of governance, as there is no duplication of effort.

Disadvantages

• Potential neglect of local needs and conditions.
• Risk of authoritarian rule due to the concentration of power.
• Regional diversity might not be adequately represented.

Factors Responsible for the Success of Unitary Government

• Strong central leadership.
• National unity and common goals.
• Effective communication networks within the country.

Resource Control of Unitary Government

• The central government holds complete control over resources, including their allocation and management.

Revision Questions for Unitary Government

1. What is a unitary government?
2. List three key features of a unitary government.
3. Mention two advantages and disadvantages of a unitary system of government.
4. Why is effective leadership crucial in a unitary government?
5. How does resource control work in a unitary government?
6. What are the potential risks of over-centralizing power in a unitary system?
7. Explain the concept of uniformity in a unitary government.
8. Discuss why a unitary government may fail to represent regional interests adequately.
9. Give two examples of countries that practice a unitary system of government.
10. What factors contribute to the success of a unitary system of governance?

2. Federal Government

Definition
A federal government is a system where power is divided between a central (national) government and regional governments (states or provinces). This division is constitutionally guaranteed.

Reasons for Federating

• To unite diverse ethnic, cultural, or regional groups under one governance framework.
• To ensure that regions have control over their affairs.
• To promote economic stability and political unity.

Characteristics

• Dual sovereignty: Both the central and regional governments hold powers independently.
• A rigid constitution: The division of powers is outlined in a constitution that cannot be altered without broad agreement.
• Distribution of powers: The federal system defines which powers are exclusive to the federal government and which are shared or reserved for states.

Merits

• Allows regions to have autonomy while remaining united.
• Encourages local participation in governance.
• Offers greater flexibility in policy-making to address local needs.

Demerits

• Can lead to conflicts between the central and regional governments.
• High administrative costs due to the maintenance of multiple levels of government.
• Unequal resource distribution between different states or regions.

Resource Control in Federal Government
In a federal system, resources are typically shared. The central government may control major resources, while regional governments may have control over local resources.

Revision Questions for Federal Government

1. Define federal government and explain its key characteristics.
2. What are the main reasons countries adopt a federal system of government?
3. What are the merits of a federal system?
4. List two disadvantages of federalism.
5. How does resource control work in a federal government?
6. Describe the relationship between federal and state governments.
7. Why is a rigid constitution important in federal systems?
8. Compare and contrast the federal system with the unitary system of government.
9. How does federalism promote unity in diversity?
10. Give examples of countries that have adopted federal systems of government.

3. Presidential System of Government

Definition
In a presidential system, the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch. The president is both the head of state and the head of government, usually elected directly by the people.

Characteristics

• Clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• The president serves for a fixed term and cannot be easily removed from office.
• The president has significant powers, but checks and balances prevent abuse.

Advantages

• Strong, centralized leadership.
• Clear accountability due to the separation of powers.
• Stability as the executive does not rely on legislative support.

Disadvantages

• Can lead to power struggles between the president and legislature.
• The fixed tenure of the president may lead to gridlock if the president and legislature are from different political parties.
• Expensive to maintain the separation of powers.

Resource Control of Presidential Systems
In a presidential system, the president has substantial control over resources, although the legislature may also have a say in resource allocation through the budget process.

Revision Questions for Presidential System

1. What are the key features of a presidential system?
2. Describe the separation of powers in the presidential system.
3. How does a presidential system of government ensure accountability?
4. What are the merits and demerits of the presidential system?
5. How is resource control managed in a presidential system?
6. Compare the presidential system with the parliamentary system.
7. Why is the fixed tenure of the president important?
8. How can conflicts arise between the president and the legislature?
9. Give an example of a country with a presidential system.
10. How does the presidential system contribute to political stability?

4. Parliamentary System of Government

Meaning
A parliamentary system is a type of government in which the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it. The head of government is usually the prime minister.

Major Characteristics

• Fusion of powers: The executive and legislative branches are intertwined.
• The prime minister is the head of government, while the monarch (in constitutional monarchies) or president may be the ceremonial head of state.
• The government can be dissolved if it loses the confidence of the majority in parliament.

Merits

• Flexibility in governance, especially in times of crisis.
• Better representation of diverse interests in government.
• Quick policy changes when the government has a majority.

Demerits

• Instability, as governments can be easily overthrown by a vote of no confidence.
• The dominance of the majority party can lead to authoritarian tendencies.
• Confusion over the roles of head of state and head of government.

Differences Between Presidential and Parliamentary Systems

• In a presidential system, the executive is separate from the legislature, whereas in a parliamentary system, the two are fused.
• Presidential systems have fixed terms; parliamentary systems may call for elections at any time.

Revision Questions for Parliamentary System

1. What is a parliamentary system of government?
2. How does the prime minister come to power in a parliamentary system?
3. What is the role of the legislature in a parliamentary system?
4. List two merits and demerits of the parliamentary system.
5. How does a vote of no confidence work in a parliamentary system?
6. What is the difference between the roles of head of state and head of government in a parliamentary system?
7. Explain the fusion of powers in a parliamentary system.
8. How does the parliamentary system ensure greater representation?
9. Compare the parliamentary system with the presidential system.
10. Give examples of countries that use a parliamentary system of government.

5. Confederal Government

Meaning
A confederation is a system of government where sovereign states join together for specific purposes, while retaining their independence.

Main Features

• Loose association of states.
• Limited central government with powers delegated by member states.
• Sovereignty remains with the individual states.

Merits

• Promotes voluntary cooperation among states.
• Preserves state sovereignty while addressing common interests.

Demerits

• Weak central authority, making it difficult to enforce laws.
• Potential instability due to the lack of a strong, unified government.

Resource Control in Confederal Government
In a confederal system, resource control is generally vested in individual states rather than the central government.

Revision Questions for Confederal Government

1. What is a confederation?
2. List the main features of a confederal system of government.
3. What are the merits and demerits of a confederal government?
4. How does resource control work in a confederation?
5. Compare confederal government with federal government.
6. Why might a confederal system be prone to instability?
7. What role does the central government play in a confederal system?
8. How do states retain their sovereignty in a confederal government?
9. Give an example of a historical confederation.
10. What challenges does a weak central government pose in a confederation?

6. Monarchy

Meaning
Monarchy is a form of government where the state is headed by a monarch (king, queen, or emperor), either in an absolute or constitutional manner.

Forms of Monarchy

• Absolute Monarchy: The monarch has almost total power over the government and laws.
• Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution or laws, and the role is largely ceremonial, with real political power resting in elected officials.

Main Features

• Hereditary succession: The throne is passed down through a family lineage.
• Centralized power (in absolute monarchy).
• A symbol of unity and continuity for the nation.

Merits

• Stability due to a continuous line of leadership.
• Symbol of national identity and unity.
• Long-term governance allows for experienced leadership.

Demerits

• Lack of accountability in absolute monarchies.
• Limited political freedom and participation for the people.
• Risk of authoritarian rule in the absence of checks and balances.

Resource Control in Monarchy

• In absolute monarchies, the monarch controls the resources directly.
• In constitutional monarchies, resource control is often shared between the monarchy and the elected parliament.

Revision Questions for Monarchy

1. What is a monarchy?
2. Explain the difference between absolute and constitutional monarchy.
3. What are the key features of a monarchy?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a monarchy?
5. How is the throne passed on in a monarchy?
6. Discuss the role of the monarch in a constitutional monarchy.
7. How does a constitutional monarchy limit the power of the monarch?
8. What is the role of a monarch in a country’s resource control?
9. Give examples of countries that have a monarchy.
10. How does a monarchy contribute to national unity and continuity?

7. Republicanism

Definition
Republicanism is a political ideology where the head of state is elected, not a hereditary monarch, and the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Features

• Elected head of state, typically a president.
• Emphasis on the rule of law and civic virtue.
• Separation of powers, with checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.

Differences Between Republicanism and Monarchy

• In a republic, leadership is determined by elections, while in a monarchy, leadership is inherited.
• Republicanism emphasizes the sovereignty of the people, while monarchy relies on the divine right or hereditary rule.

Revision Questions for Republicanism

1. What is republicanism?
2. How does a republic differ from a monarchy?
3. What are the main features of republicanism?
4. Why is elected leadership important in republicanism?
5. How does republicanism ensure accountability in government?
6. Discuss the role of the people in a republic.
7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a republican system?
8. How does republicanism protect individual freedoms?
9. Can republicanism lead to a stable government? Explain.
10. Provide examples of countries that practice republicanism.

8. Constitutions and Constitutionalism

Meaning of Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental laws and principles that govern a country. It defines the structure of government, outlines the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and protects the rights of citizens.

Sources of Constitution

• Written Constitution: A formal, written document that outlines the structure and functions of the government.
• Unwritten Constitution: Based on customs, practices, and precedents rather than a written document (e.g., the UK).

Scope of Constitution
The constitution can be comprehensive or limited. It defines the roles of government branches, the rights of citizens, and the processes for amending laws.

Features

• Supremacy of the Constitution: No law can override the constitution.
• Rigidity or Flexibility: Some constitutions are rigid and difficult to amend, while others are flexible and can be easily changed.

Types of Constitution

• Rigid Constitution: Requires a special process to amend (e.g., the U.S. Constitution).
• Flexible Constitution: Can be amended by ordinary legislative processes (e.g., the UK’s constitution).

Constitutionalism
Constitutionalism is the principle that the government should be limited by laws and guided by a constitution to prevent arbitrary rule.

Revision Questions for Constitutions and Constitutionalism

1. What is a constitution?
2. What are the different types of constitutions?
3. How does a constitution guide the government?
4. Define constitutionalism.
5. Why is the supremacy of the constitution important?
6. How does a flexible constitution differ from a rigid one?
7. What are the sources of a constitution?
8. Explain how constitutionalism limits government power.
9. Why are constitutions essential for democratic governance?
10. Provide examples of countries with rigid and flexible constitutions.

9. The Executive

Composition
The executive branch consists of the president (in a presidential system) or prime minister (in a parliamentary system), along with their appointed ministers and civil servants.

Types of Executive Systems

• Parliamentary Executive: The executive is drawn from the legislature, and the prime minister is the head of government.
• Presidential Executive: The executive branch is separate from the legislature, and the president is both head of state and head of government.

Functions of the Executive

• Policy Implementation: Executing and enforcing the laws passed by the legislature.
• National Defense and Security: Commanding the armed forces and protecting the nation.
• Foreign Relations: Managing diplomacy and international relations.
• Administration of Government: Overseeing the operation of government institutions.

Control of the Executive

• The executive is often checked by the legislative and judicial branches to prevent overreach.
• In some systems, the legislature can remove the executive through a vote of no confidence or impeachment.

Honesty and Integrity
An effective executive is expected to uphold ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Revision Questions for the Executive

1. What is the role of the executive in government?
2. Differentiate between a parliamentary and a presidential executive.
3. What are the functions of the executive branch?
4. How does the executive control the administration of government?
5. Explain the concept of checks and balances in relation to the executive.
6. How can the legislature control the executive?
7. Discuss the importance of honesty and integrity in the executive branch.
8. Why is the executive responsible for foreign relations?
9. What are the potential dangers of a powerful executive?
10. How does the executive contribute to national security?

10. The Legislature and Judiciary

The Legislature

Functions of the Legislature

• Law-making: Creating, amending, and repealing laws.
• Representation: Representing the interests of the people.
• Oversight: Monitoring and checking the actions of the executive.

Types of Legislature

• Unicameral: A legislature with one chamber or house.
• Bicameral: A legislature with two chambers, typically a lower house (e.g., House of Representatives) and an upper house (e.g., Senate).

Stages of Passing a Bill into Law

1. Introduction: A bill is introduced in either the house or the senate.
2. Debate and Voting: The bill is debated and voted on by legislators.
3. Approval: If both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the president or monarch for approval.
4. Becomes Law: Once approved, the bill becomes law.

The Judiciary

Functions of the Judiciary

• Interpretation of Laws: Explains the meaning and application of laws.
• Judicial Review: Examines whether laws and government actions comply with the constitution.
• Protection of Rights: Safeguards the rights of individuals from government infringement.

Judicial Independence
The judiciary should operate independently, free from external influences, ensuring fairness and justice.

Factors Limiting Judicial Independence

• Political interference.
• Lack of adequate funding or resources.
• Corruption or bias within the judiciary.

Revision Questions for Legislature and Judiciary

1. What are the functions of the legislature?
2. Define bicameral and unicameral legislatures.
3. How does a bill become a law?
4. What is the role of the judiciary in interpreting laws?
5. Discuss judicial independence and why it is important.
6. What factors can limit the independence of the judiciary?
7. What is judicial review?
8. How does the legislature monitor the actions of the executive?
9. Why is it important for the judiciary to protect citizens’ rights?
10. Explain the differences between the roles of the legislature and the judiciary.

Conclusion
This comprehensive guide covers the essential government systems and political structures for SSS 1 students. By breaking down complex topics and offering key revision questions, students can solidify their understanding and improve their chances of success in exams. Regular study and practice will help ensure that these concepts are fully grasped.