NSC 101 Assignment
NSC 101 Assignment
NSC 101 Assignment
Structure of government
1.unitary system
2.federal system
3.Confederal system
4.Military system
Unitary system: In this structure, government is organized under a single central control.
The central government shares Its powers with the lower unit of government when
necessary and as much as it deems fit. The United Kingdom, China, Italy, are some of the
famous examples of unitary government.
Merits of unitary system
1.It fosters unity
2.It is easy to operate
3.It disallows duplication of offices
4.Easy amendment of constitution
Features of unitary system
a. The unitary system helps to preserve consistency, unity, and identity of the
government, and as such power and authority of the central government has to
remain a priority.
b. Although the central government reserves all powers of decision-making in the
government, power is shared with the subordinate units of government as needed.
c. The unitary system allows for uniform and consistent rules and regulations across the
state.
d. The unitary system is about the least expensive compared to the other systems of
government.
e. Decision making is easier and timelier in unitary systems, which is useful especially in
times of emergency.
f. Generally, freedom of speech and expression remains very low in unitary systems
compared to the others, hence unitary governments are more or less similar to
dictatorships.
Federal system: Power is divided among the centre and subordinate units of
government, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. United States of
America, India, Canada, among others are examples of federal system of government.
Merits of federal system
1.There is reduced fear of domination by the central government.
2.It allows for inclusion in governance.
3.It promotes free speech and expression.
4.It brings government as close as possible.
Features of federal system
1.Expensive: The process of governance in the federal system is more expensive,
compared to the unitary system. The process of decision making is lengthened, the
various levels of government require resources to discharge their functions efficiently,
there is a higher number of human resources required to effectively operate a federal
system, all these and more tell on the expenses of the state.
2.Division of power: Power in the federal system is divided among the federal, state and
local levels of government with each level having their functions and jurisdictions
prescribed and protected by the constitution.
3.Duplication of functions: Arising from the existence and operation of the subordinate
units or levels of government, government functions also are duplicated in these various
levels. The executives, legislature and judiciary exist at all levels of government, allowing
for duplicated functions.
4.Delay in decision making: Decision making in the federal system takes longer route
compared to the unitary system where the central government reserves the right to
make decisions.
5.Inclusive governance: The existence and significance of the subordinate levels of
government in the federal systems allow for more inclusion within the process of
governance as more individual are involved, representing various interests within the
state.
6.Rigid constitutions: Constitutions in the federal system are mostly rigid and difficult to
alter or amend. Constitutional amendment in a federal system must go through a long
process of deliberation and consultations and must be passed by a two-third majority of
the legislature, before it enters into effect.
Branches/Arms of Government
1.The legislature
2.The executive
3.The judiciary
Executive arm
It is responsible for executing or implementing the laws in the state. The President is the
leader of the executive branch of government as he serves both ceremonial and official
governance functions. Whereas, in a parliamentary government, these roles are performed
by separate individuals or groups. The executive branch exists in al three levels of
government (federal, state and local levels).
The powers and functions of the executive branch of government are complex and
enormous. The veto power of the executive allows it to perform functions that Include
legislative and judicial functions. Some of the functions of the executive arm of government
include, but are not limited to
I. Issuing orders and statutory guidelines when the need arises, especially during
emergencies. (legislative)
ii. Initializing/recommending as well as assent to bills from the legislature. (leglegislative)
iii. Conducting foreign affairs.
iv. Control of the military organization.
v. Appointment and removal of public office holders.
vi. Pardon of offenses against the state, before trial or after conviction. (judiciary)
vii. Negotiate and assent to international treaties and conventions (Judiciary)
b. Legislative Arm
The legislature is charged with the duty of making laws within the state. The powers of the
legislative arm of government are at times vested in the National Assembly or congress (in
the Presidential system of government) or Parliament. Their functions are to basically ensure
stability, policy execution and implementation and ensure good governance. Two types of
legislatures are the unicameral legislature (made up of only one national assembly chamber
of elected members, like in Turkey, Denmark, Spain, among others), and the bi-cameral
legislature (made up of two upper and lower chambers, like in USA, Canada, Nigeria, India).
Other functions of the legislature include;
I. Involvement in confirmation of public office holders.
ii.Approves budgets and expenditure of other public/state funds.
iii.Making and amendment of the constitution of the state.
iv. Impeaching incompetent government officials in the executive branch.
V. Aggregating (identifying) and articulating (discussing) public interests.
vi. Investigating/supervising government ministries, departments, and agencies via oversight
legislative committees.
Vil. Representing the interests of the various groups within the society who have elected
them to the legislative office
Judiciary arm
The judiciary is primarily responsible for Interpreting and adjudicating the law, as well as
applying it to specific cases. It is a unique branch of the government and is the most
independent of all the three branches. The major elements of the judiciary are the Judges,
the law courts, and the law itself. In most cases, the Supreme Court is the highest court of
the land and decides on more important issues ranging from constitutional issues to the
decisions of other courts underneath it, such as the appeal industrial, and high Courts. The
efficiency of the judiciary is premised on important values such as fairness, justice, integrity,
and transparency. Judges should be honest, impartial, independent and possess sound legal
knowledge (Anifowose, 2015).