SS1 GOVERNMENT
2nd Term
STRUCTURE
AND ORGANIZATION OF GOVERNMENT
There are three arms of government, namely:
Legislative, Executive and Judiciary
Legislature:
the major function of the legislature as one of the organs of government is law
making. It is also the center of discussions about policies, programmes and
ideas and the place where important decisions are made. In different countries,
the legislature assumes different names as follows: the parliament, national
assembly or congress.
Functions: (1) Law making (2)financial control (3)power
of investigation (4)ratification of appointment (5)amending the constitution
(6)Center of discussion of national issues (7)approval of declaration of war
(8) ratification of treaties (9) serves as link between the government and the
people (10) It can serve as an electoral college in cabinet system (11)
approval of state and local government creation
Types:
(A) Unicameral legislature: this is the type in which all the legislative
functions are carried out by a single chamber. E.g. Israel and Bulgaria. Merits of unicameralism include: (1) it
quickens he legislative process (2) it is less expensive to run (3) it does not
create dumping ground for political deadwoods. (4) It is ideal for a small
country with homogenous culture. Demerits
of Unicameralism include: (1) bills can be passed into law without hastily (2) it is easy for the president to
manipulate (3) the different interest groups are not adequately represented in
the legislature (4) there is inadequate checks and balance.
(B) Bicameral legislature: this is the type of
legislature that is made up of two chambers, namely: the lower chamber and the
upper chamber. In Nigeria, they are called House of Representatives and House
of Senates. In Britain, they are called House of Commons and House of Lords. Merits of unicameralism include: (1) it
allows for thoroughness in the process of law making (2)there is adequate
checks and balance (3) adequate representation of all interest groups and
constituencies (4) protection of minority interests (5) it is hardly
manipulated or bought over by the executive. (6) it allows division of labour
by assigning certain minor matters to the lower house. Demerits of Unicameralism include: (1) it is too expensive to
operate (2)there is delay in the passage of bills (3) rivalry may exist between
the two houses, and this might affect the law making process (4)there is
duplication of function which results in waste of resources (5) it provides a
dumping ground for political deadwoods
Bill: a
bill is a proposed law. It is not a law until it is signed into law by the
executive. For each bill initiated, the legislative discuss it thoroughly to
see the different aspects of the law and its possible impact on the different
aspects of the country. There are three types
of bills, namely:
(1) Public
bills: this has to do with issues confronting the country. It is usually
proposed by the executive.
(2) Private
members bill: this is a bill initiated by one of the members of the parliament.
(3) Money
bill: this bill informs on how government raises or spends money. It is
introduced by the executive. E.g. Budget.
Procedure,
How Bills Become Law
1.
First
Reading: the title of the bill is read out by the clerk of the house. At
this point there is no opposition. Copies of the bill are distributed to
members to study.
2.
Second
reading: the initiator of the bill moves that the bill be read the second
time. At this stage, discussions are made concerning the principles of the
bill, it is debated, and vote cast to determine whether the bill should be sent
to a committee.
3.
The
committee stage: a committee is formed to discuss it in detail, make amends
and report to the house.
4.
The
report stage: the committee reports, stating their suggestions to improve
the bill.
5.
Third
reading: a thorough examination is done on the bill in order to improve on
its actual drafting. It is at this stage that the bill is either passed or
rejected. If it is passed, then it will be sent to the upper house
6.
The
Upper house: In the upper house, the bill passes through similar stages. If
there is any further amendments, then both houses will jointly set up a committee to iron
things out
7.
Assent:
the amended bill is sent to the president for assent. Once the president
assents to the bill, it becomes a law.
Procedure
for constitutional amendment: a written and rigid constitution requires at
least 2/3 of the members of the parliament to approve it. An unwritten and
flexible constitution is amended in the same way an ordinary law is enacted.