SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS1
WEEK : 1
PERIOD:1 & 2
TOPIC: THE MEANING AND SCOPE OF THE SUBJECT MATTERGOVERNMENT
LESSON 1 TOPIC :- DEFINITION OF GOVERNMENT
A. GOVERNMENT AS AN INSTITUTION OF A STATE:- refers to a
machinery or an institution which manages the affairs of the
state.
 Government as an institution of a state has 3
organs/structures/branches:1. The legislature – makes laws

2. The Executive – Implements the laws.
3. The Judiciary – interprets laws
 A state without a government will experience anarchy (lawlessness)
B. Government as a process or Art of governing (Basic activity) :refers to the methods and processes involved in formulation and
implementation of public policies.
C. Government as an academic field of study:- is the study of political
institutions and theories, which deals with the acquisition and use
of political power.
 It is a social science subject taught in higher institution.
 It applies scientific methods e.g. use of computer ,research e.t.c.
 It relates with other subjects like Economics, sociology e.t.c.
 It has branches like, public administration international relations
e.t.c.
BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT AS AN ACADEMIC FIELD OF STUDY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Public administration - deals with human management in
government establishment.
International Relations – deals with diplomacy and external
relations with other countries.
Political thoughts/theories :- ideas of early thinkers e.g Locke,
hobbles e.t.c.
Political Economy :- deals with fiscal and monetary policies of a
country.
Comparative politics – deals with comparative analysis
governments of other countries.
(REASONS) IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING GOVERNMENT
1. It enables us to know our rights, duties and obligations as citizens.
2. It helps to Inculcate the spirit of nationalism and patriotism in the
citizens.
3. It enables people to understand the system of government adopted in a
country.
4. It helps to find solutions to our political problems.
5. It prepares us to take part in the governance of our country.
6. It puts the citizens in a position to defend their rights when violated.
7. It helps us to know the successes and failures of our past leaders.
8. It helps us to know what is going on in our country and around the world.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOVERNMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Law:- government makes laws, which are entrenched in the
constitution.
Revenue:- it raises revenue through federal allocation, taxes, duties,
levies to carry out enormous task facing it.
Legitimacy:- it enjoys Legitimacy it is recognized and accepted by the
people.
Periodic change:- no government is permanent.
Political power and authority: it has political power and authority.
6. Work – Force:- there are adequate personnel for policy making,
implementation and interpretation in the civil service.
Period 3 & 4
Topic:- FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
To defend and protect the lives and properties of it citizens.
To make laws for peace and good governance.
To administer justice through amicable settlements of disputes.
To provide infrastructural facilities for the people e.g construction,
maintenance of roads e.t.c.
To defend and protect the fundamental human rights e.g right to life,
property e.t.c.
To maintain external relations with other countries.
To maintain law and order through the law enforcement agencies like
police, custom officers e.t.c.
To raise public revenue through tax e.t.c.
STATE
A state is a group living in a clearly defined territory within which a
government is responsible for law and order and it is free from external
control.
CHARACTERISTICS/FEATURES OF A STATE
1. Government:- manages the affairs of the state.
2. Territory:- It must have a clearly defined boundaries, separating it
from others.
3. People/Population:- every state has a population.
4. Sovereignty:- is the freedom of a state to make and implement its
decisions within its territory without external interference.
5. Permanence:- it remains a permanent feature .
6. Recognition :-it must be recognized both internally and externally.
LIMITATIONS OF SOVEREIGNTY OF A STATE
1. Constitution:- it identifies the power of the states and it limitations.
2. Control of people:- power to establish or remove a government
belongs to the people through election.
3. Public opinion:- before policies and laws are made ,views of various
interest groups are sought.
4. International law or treaty:-these agreements must be obeyed by
countries.
5. Custom and traditions:- some of these traditions cannot be abolished
by the state.
6. Foreign aids :- this tend to affect sovereignty of the recipient state.
Nation
 It is a body of people united by common descent and ties
 It is a group of people who have the following in common : Language,
religious beliefs, culture, historical origin and government.
 Examples of nations are : Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, Ijaw.
 A nation is NOT the same as a state.
 Nigeria is a state with many nations ( Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw e.t.c.
 A state may contain only one nation, like Israel (Jews)
ASSIGNMENT
1. Differentiate between a state and government.
2a. Describe the term Government as an art of governing.
b. Highlight any four duties of government.
(WAEC May/June 2013)