GOVERNMENT*
*_PREPARED BY SHINING STARS SOLUTION TEAM_*
*Definition of the subject matter government*
*(i) Government as an institution of the state*
Government as an institution of the state may be define ad an agency or machinery through which the will of the state is formulated,expressed and attained.§l§t
Formation of government as an institution of the state arose as a result of the coming together and living together to form a society.In such a society,people’s individual differences that give raise to the display if man’s wicked acts,selfish interest,conflict of interest and opinion etc will manifest.§l§t
*ii) Government as a process OR Art of Governing*
Government as a process or art of governing maybe defined as a body vested with the power and authority for maintaining security,peace and stability by making and enforcing conventional and fundamental laws in a given state or society.§l§t
In order for the art of governing to be less cumbersome and be more effective and efficient,governmental powers that exist in the state are not vested in one organ or body rather,government is divided into three main organs.§l§t
These organs in which governmental powers are vested perform different but complementary functions and they are: *the legislature, the executive and the judiciary*.§l§t
*(iii) Government as an academic field of study*
Government as an academic field of stuy maybe as the study of agencies,political institutions and dynamics of the state.This study also involves looking into functions and the relationship between these institution concerned in the steering of the affairs of the sates.§l§t
*REASONS WHY GOVERNMENT IS AN ACADEMIC FIELD OF STUDY*
(1) It is an academic field of study of a school discipline because it is being taught in our schools,colleges and universities..§l§t
(ii) It has specialised areas in our tertiary institutions.It specialised areas includes political science,international relations,public administration,politic thoughts,among others.§l§t
(iii) It borrows ideas from others populars well established discplines like philosophy,history,sociology,economics and laws.§l§t
(iv) Government is regarded as a school discipline because it also borrows ideas from renowned philosophers.§l§t
V) likes others disciplines,government makes use of scientific mathods,tools and statistics in carrying out its researchers and analysis.§l§t
*CHARACTERISTICS OR ATTRIBUTES OF GOVERNMENT*
*1.POLITICAL POWER:*One essential attributes of government is the possession of political power.This enables the government to influences the citizens and the executives its policies.§l§t
*2.LAWS:-* A government should have fundamental rules and regulations That should regulates the activities and behaviour of its citizens.§l§t
*3.REVENUE:-* Is another essential features of a government because it cannot function effectively without fund because government requires enough funds in order to execute its programmes.§l§t
*4.PUBLIC SUPPORT:-* All types of government including millitary rules need public support to legitimize thier existence.§l§t
*.5 WELFACE SERVICES:-* Provision of social services to the citizens that will improve their welfares and standard of living is another essential attribute of a government.§l§t
*FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT*
(1) Law making
2)maintenance of law and order.
(3) Defence of the country
(4) protection of lives and property
(5) To administer justice
(6) provision of social services
(7)provision of employment opportunities
(8)economic function
*WHY WE STUDY GOVERNMENT OR THE IMPORTANCE Of THE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT*
(i) the study of governmentd supports the practice of democracy and the rule of law.§l§t
(ii) since the knowlefge is a waste,the study of government is useful because of thr knowledge we acquire from it.§l§t
(iii) the study of government prepares us to take actives part in the government of our country as administrative officers,personal officers etc.§l§t
(iv) Though the study of government,we know our rights,duties and obligations as citizens.§l§t
(v) knowledges we gain from the study if governments as an academic field of study inculcates the spirits of nationalism and patriotism in us.§l§t
*_SHINING STARS TEAM_*
*THE STATE*
*Definition:* A states maybe defined as a politically organised body of people occupying a definite geographical territory with an organised government entirely free from external control and government entirely free external control and with coercive powet to secure obedience from it citizens and others.§l§t
*CHARACTERISTICS OF A STATE*
.(1) population
(2) Territory
(3) Governement
4) sovereignty
(5) Recognition
(6) Permanance
*REVISION QUESTIONs*
1) explain the meaning of Government as
(a) institution of the states.§l§t
(b) A process or art of government.§l§t
(c) An academic field of study.§l§t
2) Discuss the characteristics andv
functions of government…§l§t
3) explain why we study government…§l§t
(4) what do you understand by the a states?what are the characteristics of a states…§l§t
(5) explain in the relationship that exist between the states and the governments…§l§t
(6) Give the distintinction between the states and a nation..§l§t
7) why is government and the accademic field of study? §l§t
*COMPLETED BY SHINING STARS SOLUTION TEAM…. JOIN MY VIP GROUPS NOW FOR COMPLETE NOTE*
*GOVERNMENT WASSCE SYLLABUS FOR 2018*
*SHINING STARS SOLUTION TEAM*
*AIMS AND OBJECTIVES*
This syllabus aims at assessing the candidates’ ability to
(a) define the concepts of Government and show their understanding of its principles,
institutions and processes.§l§t
(b) recognize their role as an informed citizens and their contributions towards the
achievement of national development.§l§t
(c) evaluate the successes, failures and problems of governments in West Africa.§l§t
(d) analyse the constitutional developments and processes of colonial and post – independent
government.§l§t
(e) appreciate the role of their country as a member of the international community.§l§t
*SCHEME OF THE EXAMINATIONS*
There will be two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2, both of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 will be
composite and will be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: This will consist of fifty multiple-choice objective questions drawn from the entire
syllabus. Candidates will be required to answer all the questions in 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2: This will be a 2-hour essay type test consisting of two sections, Sections A and B as
follows:
Section A: Elements of Government
Shall contain five questions out of which candidates shall be required to attempt any two.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and
International Relations
Shall contain sets of five questions each’, one set for one member country. Each
candidate is to answer two questions chosen from the set on the country in which he/she
is taking the examination.
The paper shall carry 60 marks
*SHINING STARS SOLUTION TEAM*
*DETAILED SYLLABUS*
*SECTION A:*
*ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT*
*MEANING AND SCOPE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER — GOVERNMENT*
Government as an institution of the state
Definition of state, features, structure and functions.§l§t
Government as a process or art or governing.§l§t
Government as an academic field of study — reasons for studying government.§l§t
*BASIC CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT*
(i) Basic concepts — State, *Society,Nation, Power, Authority, Legitimacy,
Sovereignty, Democracy, Political Culture and Socialization, Comrnunalism,
Feudalism and oligarchy, Liberalism, Socialism, Communism, Capitalism,
Fascism, Aristocracy, Totalitarianism*.§l§t
Meaning and features.
(ii) Basic principles — Rule of Law, Fundamental Human Rights, Separation of
Powers/ Checks and Balances, Constitutionalism, Political participation,
Representative Government, Centralization and Decentralization — (Delegated
Legislation, Devolution and Decentralization).§l§t
*CONSTITUTIONS*
(i) Definition and Sources
(ii) Functions
(iii) Types and Features, (Written and Unwritten, Rigid and Flexible).§l§t
*ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT*
The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary — Judicial Independence. (Types,
Structure, Composition/membership; Functions, powers and limitations).§l§t
*STATE STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF GOVERNMENT*
(21)
Types – Unitary, Federal, Confederal, Presidential or Non-parliamentary,
Parliamentary or Cabinet, Monarchical and Republican.§l§t
Meaning, types, features, merits and demerits.§l§t
10.
*CITIZENSHIP*
Meaning, mode of acquisition, rights, duties and obligations of individuals in the state.§l§t
Means of safeguarding rights of citizens.§l§t
*POLITICAL PARTIES AND PARTY SYSTEMS*
Political Parties — definition, organization/ structure, and functions.§l§t
Party Systems — definition, types, merits and demerits.§l§t
*PRESSURE GROUPS. PUBLIC OPINION AND MASS MEDIA*
(i) Pressure Groups — definition, types, mode of operation and functions;
(ii) Public opinion — definition, formation, Measurement and importance,
(iii) Mass Media — definition, roles and impact.§l§t
*THE ELECTORAL* *SYSTEMs* *PROCESSES AND ELECTORAL*
*MANAGEMENT BODY*
(a) Electoral Systems and Processes
(b)
(i) Election- Meaning and purpose of elections.§l§t
(ii) Franchise — meaning, and limitations.§l§t
(iii) Types, advantages and disadvantages of Electoral Systems.
Electoral Management Body — definition, function, problems/constrains.§l§t
*PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE ADMINISTRATION*
Public/Civil Service — Meaning, Structure, Characteristics and Functions.
Public/Civil Service Commission —meaning and Functions.§l§t
Public Corporations — definition, purposes, functions, control, challenges, need
for commercialization and privatization.§l§t
Local Governments — Meaning, structure, Purposes, Functions, Sources of
revenue, control and problems.§l§t
*SECTION B:*
*POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVLEOPMENTS IN*
*WEST AFRICA AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS*
11. *PRE-COLONIAL *POLITICAL SYSTEM OF CANDIDATES’* *RESPECTIVE*
*COUNTRIES*
The Structural Organization of the following:
(a) Nigeria – Hausa/Fulani, the Yoruba and the Igbo.§l§t
(b) Ghana – The Akan and the Talensi.§l§t
(c) Sierra Leone – The Mende and Temrne.§l§t
(d) The Gambia – The Wolof, Mandingo and J ola.§l§t
(e) Liberia – The Vai and the Km.§l§t
*12. COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION*
(i) The Policy and Structure of the British Colonial Administration — Crown Colony,
Protectorate and Indirect Rule.§l§t
(ii) The Policy of French Colonial Administration — Assimilation and Association
(Loi Cadre).§l§t
(iii) Impact, Advantages and disadvantages of Colonial Rule.§l§t
*13. NATIONALISM IN CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES*
(i) Nationalism: Meaning, factors and effects.§l§t
(ii) Key Nationalist leaders/movements and their contributions.§l§t
*CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN *CANDIDATES’ *RESPECTIVE*
*COUNTRIES*
(i) Pre-Independence Constitutions –
(a) Nigeria (features) – Clifford 1922
Richards 1946
Macpherson 1951
Littleton 1954
(b) Ghana (features, merits and demerits) –
(c) Sierra Leone (features, merits and demerits) –
(d) The Gambia (features, merits and demerits) –
Clifford 1916
Guggisberg 1925
Burns 1946
Arden Clarke 1951
Nkrumah 1954
Slatter 1924
Stevenson 1947
Beresford Stooke 1951
The 1956 and 1958
Constitutions.
The 1947, 1951,
1954, 1960, 1962 and 1963
Constitutions.
(ii) Post-Independence Constitutions — Features
(a) Nigeria –
(b) Ghana –
(c) Sierra Leone —
(d) The Gambia –
(e) Liberia –
Independence Constitution, 1960
Republican Constitution 1963
The 1979 and 1989 Constitutions
1999 Constitution – Origin, features, strength and
Weaknesses.
Independence Constitution, 1957
Republican Constitution 1960
2n Republican Constitution 1969
3ml Republican Constitution 197 9
4th Republican Constitutions 1992.
Independence Constitution 1961
Republican Constitution 1971
The 1978 and 1991 Constitutions,
Independence Constitution 1965
Republican Constitution 1970.
2n Republican Constitution 1997
Independence/Republican Constitution 1947
2nd Republican Constitution 1985
*DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN* *THE *CANDIDATES’*
*RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES*
– Nigeria
– Sierra Leone
– The Gambia
– Liberia
Formation, Objectives, Sources of Finance, Achievements and Failures.§l§t
*MILITARY RULE IN THE CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES.*
– Nigeria
– Ghana,
– Sierra Leone
– The Gambia
– Liberia
Causes, effects and various military regimes.§l§t
*FEDERAL/UNITARY SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT IN WEST AFRICA*
– Nigeria
– Sierra Leone
– The Gambia
– Liberia
Origin, Factors, Structure, Features and Problems
*FOREIGN POLICIES OF THE CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES*
– Nigeria
– Ghana
– Sierra Leone
– The Gambia
– Liberia
Definitions, Factors, objectives, advantages and disadvantages.§l§t
*INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS*
The United Nations Organizations (UNO),
The Commonwealth of Nations,
African Union (AU) – NEPAD,
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Origin, aims/objectives, achievements and problems.§l§t
*WASSCE GOVERNMENT*
*SUGGESTED READING LIST*
*S/N AUTHOR TITLE*
1. ADU BOAHEN, A Ghana Evolution and Change in the 19th and 20th Centuries
2. SHILLINGTON K. Ghana and the Rawlings Factor
3. HODGKIN T. African Political Parties
4. GARBRAH H. K. Foreign Policies of Major Countries, Subject Publications,
New Delhi
5. ADDAE P. G. Senior Secondary School Government Bks. 1&2
6. NOFIU S. O. A. A — ONE in Government.§l§t
7. ECHIEFU S. M Modern Government.§l§t
8. APPADORAI A. The Substance of Politics.§l§t
9. PRICE J. H. Political Institutions in West Africa.§l§t
10. LEEDS C. A. Political Studies.§l§t
11. AMOA G. Y. Groundwork of Government in West Africa.§l§t
12. DARE AND OYEWOLE A Textbook of Government for Senior Secondary School
13. OYEDIRAN AND CO. Government for Senior Secondary School.§l§t
14. FRANCIS ADIGWE Essentials of Government.§l§t
15. DENNIS AUSTIN Politics in Ghana 1946-1960.§l§t
16 PRAH ISAAC Government for Senior Secondary School.§l§t
*SHINING STARS SOLUTION TEAM*
*PHYSICS NOTE*
*SHINING STAR SOLUTION TEAM*
Boss Webcoded 