SCHOOL LOGO
Assessment Task
Grade 8
Term 1
MEMORANDUM
QUESTION 1: The Government
1. Read the extract and answer the questions that follows:
1.1. Define the term Government.

(2)
A government is a group of people who govern the citizens of a country, they are
responsible for running the country and making policies and passing laws. 
(Accept any relevant definition.)
MAX. 2
1.2. List the three levels of Government.(1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3)
(3)
1.2.1. Provincial. 
1.2.2. Provincial. 
1.2.3. Local. 
NOTE: The levels can be in any order.
1.3. Explain how the Government of South-Africa is elected.

(2)
The Government of South Africa is elected democratically, which means that all
the citizens of the country above the age of 18 can vote in a general
election.
MAX. 2
1.4. Name the current President of South-Africa.

(1)
Cyril Ramaphosa. 
1.5. Describe any TWO functions of the Government.

Operate in the Top level. 

Make sure the State runs efficiently. 

Makes up laws that affect the whole country. 

Make citizens obey the State Laws. 
(4)
(Accept any TWO.)
MAX. 4
1.6. Identify the level of government that are responsible for the following
services:
(10)
1.6.1. Local. 
2
1.6.2. National. 
1.6.3. National. 
1.6.4. Provincial. 
1.6.5. Local. 
2. Clearly explain the difference between the fiscal policy and the monetary
policy.
(4)
FISCAL POLICY

Fiscal policy is the means by which a government adjusts its spending levels
and tax rates to monitor and influence a nation's economy. 

It is the sister strategy to monetary policy through which a central bank
influences a nation's money supply. 
Sub max. 2
MONETARY POLICY

Monetary policy is the process by which the monetary authority of a country,
typically the central bank or currency board, controls either the cost of very shortterm borrowing or the monetary base. 

Often targeting an inflation rate or interest rate to ensure price stability and
general trust in the currency. 
Sub max. 2
MAX. 4
Total Question 1:26
QUESTION 2: The National Budget
2.1. Define the term budget.
(2)

The Government’s estimate of its income and expenditures. 

It’s what the Government plans to spend for programmes and projects and where
the money will come from. 
(Accept any relevant definition.)
MAX. 2
3
2.2. The main source of income for the national budget is taxes. Name TWO
different kinds of taxes that the Government collects.

Personal income tax. 

Corporate income tax. 

Value added tax (VAT). 

Company tax. 
(2)
(Accept any TWO)
MAX. 2
2.3. Explain the term Sin tax, and give one example.

(3)
Tax paid on cigarettes, alcohol and sugar to discourage people from buying these
items. 

Sin taxes are used to increase the price in an effort to lower the consumption. 
Sub max. 2
EXAMPLE:

Sugar tax. 

Alcohol tax

Tobacco tax. 
MAX. 3
2.4. Discuss TWO advantages of a proper budget.

The action is based on a study of past experiences. 

Policies and principles are followed. 

Operations are controlled. 

Weaknesses in the Government are exposed. 

Achievements are highlighted. 

Wastes are prevented. 
(4)
MAX. 4
2.5. Study the budget of 2021/2022 and answer the questions that follows:
2.5.1. Identify the amount of money is allocated towards:
2.5.1.1. Education.

298.1 Billion
4
(3)
2.5.1.2. Health.

259 billion
2.5.1.3. Safety and security.

220.7 billion
2.5.2. Explain the term social grant and why the government allocate social
grants.

(4)
Social grants are in place to help improve standards of living in society and are
given to people who are vulnerable to poverty and in need of state support. 

Social assistance is an income transfer in the form of grants provided by the
government. 

A social grant refer to grants paid by SASSA, like disability grans, foster care
grants and older person’s grant. 
MAX. 4
2.5.3. Discuss how the national budget are responsible for economical redress of
inequalities.
(6)

The budget provide to pay social grants to people that qualify. 

Free health services are being offered to citizens who can’t afford medical
funds.

The budget focus on creating jobs for unemployed people. 

Skill development and education are encouraged. 

The Public Works Programme provides temporary jobs. 

Higher income groups pay more tax than lower income groups. 

Free education for the poor. 

Free water and electricity for the poor. 

Improvement of the countries’ infrastructure. 
MAX. 6
Total Question 2: 24
GRAND TOTAL: 50
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