CHAPTER 1 – STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT

1.1 OVERVIEW AND DEFINITIONS

Government: the set of institutions and persons with authority to make and enforce rules for a society.

Structure: organisation into levels (federal, state, local) and arms (executive, legislature and judiciary).

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1.2 THE THREE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT (DETAILED)
In any political system, there exist three main arms of government responsible for the administration of the state. Each arm performs specific duties and operates independently within its constitutional powers. The three arms of government are:

1. The Executive
2. The Legislature
3. The Judiciary
4. The Executive Arm of Government

The executive arm of government consists of all agencies and officials responsible for implementing and executing government policies and laws. It also represents the country in both national and international affairs and performs ceremonial functions as the head of state and government.

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Functions of the Executive

1. Issuance of rules and statutory orders in accordance with constitutional provisions or powers delegated by the legislature.
2. Execution and implementation of government policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
3. Initiating and defending bills in the legislature.
4. Allocation of national resources after approval by the legislature.
5. Preparation and presentation of the annual budget.
6. Supervision of government projects and programmes.
7. Negotiation and signing of treaties with other nations.
8. The Legislature

The legislature is the arm of government responsible for making laws for the administration of the country. It is commonly referred to as the parliament. Members of the legislature are either elected or nominated from various parts of the country.

Types of Legislature

1. Bicameral Legislature:
   This consists of two chambers—an upper and a lower house.
   • In Nigeria, the lower chamber is the House of Representatives, while the upper chamber is the Senate.
   • Both chambers together form the National Assembly.
2. Unicameral Legislature:
   This consists of only one legislative chamber.
   • It is practiced in some countries such as Turkey and Bulgaria.

Functions of the Legislature

1. Enactment of laws for the smooth running of government.
2. Approval of the annual budget presented by the executive.
3. Screening and approval of ministerial nominees, ambassadors, and other key government officials.
4. Approval of treaties entered into by the executive.
5. Amendment of the constitution when necessary.
6. Setting up investigative or probe panels to examine the activities of government ministries, departments, and parastatals.
7. Removal of erring members of the executive through impeachment by passing a vote of no confidence.
8. The Judiciary

The judiciary is the arm of government responsible for interpreting and applying the laws of the land. Its duties are carried out through various courts of law. Members of the judiciary include judges, magistrates, lawyers, court clerks, and other court officials.

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Types of Courts

• Customary Courts
• Magistrate Courts
• High Courts

Functions of the Judiciary

1. Interpretation of the laws of the country as contained in the constitution.
2. Punishment of offenders who violate the law.
3. Settlement of disputes between individuals and between individuals and the government.
4. Acting as a check on the executive and legislative arms of government.
5. Advising the government on legal and constitutional matters.
6. Protection of the fundamental rights of citizens.
7. Making regulations and precedents in the course of interpreting existing laws.

1.3 SEPARATION OF POWERS AND CHECKS & BALANCES

Separation of powers: clear division of responsibilities among arms to prevent concentration of power.

Checks & balances: each arm has powers to limit the others (e.g., legislature can impeach; judiciary can declare laws null and void; executive signs/vetoes bills and implements laws).

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1.4 LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

• Federal (National): defence, foreign affairs, currency, national economic policy, federal highways, customs and immigration.
• State: health policy at the state level, state education policy, intra-state roads, policing (to an extent via state police debates), agriculture within the state.
• Local Government: primary education, primary health care, rural roads, waste disposal, local markets, community development.

(Note: exact responsibilities depend on constitution and laws; in practice many functions overlap and there are frequent debates on resource allocation.)

1.5 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIL SERVICE

Civil service: permanent bureaucracy executing government policies; expected to be neutral, efficient and merit-based.

Issues in public service: corruption, patronage, inefficiency; reforms focus on transparency, meritocracy and performance management.

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