GOVERNMENT AS AN ACADEMIC FIELD OF STUDY

GOVERNMENT AS A PROCESS OR ART OF GOVERNING.

Subject :

GOVERNMENT

Class :

SS 1

Term :

FIRST TERM

Week :

Week 2

Topic :

GOVERNMENT AS A PROCESS OR ART OF GOVERNING.

Previous Knowledge :

The pupils have previous knowledge of

Definition, Characteristics and Functions of Government

that was taught as a topic in their previous lesson

Behavioural Objectives :  At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to

• Explain government as an academic field of study
• Discuss the importance of the study of government
• Define a state and explain its relationship to government

Teaching and Learning Resources :  .

• Online materials
• Schemes of work
• Textbooks
• Newspaper
• Films that are related to the topic
• Pictures
• Activity charts

CONTENT :

GOVERNMENT AS A PROCESS OR ART OF GOVERNING.

CONTENT

1. Definition of government as a process or art of governing.
2. Policy formulation and implementation.

Sub-Topic 1: DEFINITION OF GOVERNMENT AS A PROCESS OR ART OF GOVERNING.

Government as a process or art of governing refers to the methods or strategies and processes involved in the formulation and implementation of public policies. It can also be seen as the process of carrying out the day to day administration of the affairs of a state which involves making, enforcing and interpreting laws.

POLICY FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

The following are the processes involved in policy formulation and implementation

1. Rule Making: This is carried out by the legislative arm of government i.e. the legislature.
2. Rule Implementation: This is done by the executive arm of government.
3. Rule Adjudication: This is done by the judiciary arm of government.

EVALUATION

1. Explain the term government as an art of governing.
2. Mention three processes involved in the formulation and implementation of policies in a state.
3. Which organ of government is responsible for rule adjudication?

Sub-Topic 2:

DEFINITION OF GOVERNMENT AS A SCHOOL SUBJECT OR ACADEMIC FIELD OF STUDY:

Government as an academic field of study is defined as a discipline which studies the functional relationship between the government as a political mechanism and the society (people) in the course of steering the affairs of the state.

Government as a school subject is one of the social science subjects taught in schools. In tertiary institutions, it is called political science because it studies political institutions. It study includes such courses as political theory, public Administration, International relations etc.

Government as an academic field of study or school subject can also be defined as the study of political institutions and theories which deals with the acquisition and use of political power.

WHY DO WE STUDY GOVERNMENT?

1. The study of government helps us to take active part in the governance of our country.
2. It helps us to know our rights, duties and obligations as citizens.
3. Through the knowledge acquired in government, some political problems will have a penance or solutions.
4. The study of government helps us understand the systems of government adopted in our country and other countries and their benefits.
5. It prepares those interested in politics to practice as professionals.
6. The study of government helps us to become good citizens.
7. It liberates us from political ignorance.
8. The study of government promotes the spirit of nationalism and patriotism in the citizens of the state which eventually strengthen unity.
9. The study of government supports the practice of the rule of law and democracy.
10. The study of government provides basis for proper assessment of the performance of a government.

EVALUATION:

1. Define government as an academic field of study.
2. State five reasons for studying government.

Sub-Topic 3:

SOME SUB-FIELDS OF GOVERNMENT OR BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT AS AN ACADEMIC FIELD OF STUDY.

1. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:This is an area which specializes in the formulation and implementation of public policies or policies of government by civil servant. It deals with human management in government establishment or public affairs.
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:It is a branch of government which studies the action and behaviours of a state towards other countries of the world for the purpose of projecting and protecting the national interest and image of the state. It deals with diplomacy and external relations with other countries.
3. POLITICAL THOUGHT/THEORIES:It is a sub-field in government which studies political reasoning, belief and knowledge which guide political behaviour in the society. It deals with the study of the ideas of the early political thinkers or philosophers such as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Machiaveli etc.
4. POLITICAL ECONOMY:It deals with fiscal and monetary policies of a country.
5. COMPARATIVE POLITICS:This studies different governments, analysing their similarities and differences. For example, comparative politics studies the governments of the industrialised Western European nations and those of developing countries. It deals with comparative analysis of governments of other countries.
6. LOCAL GOVERNMENT:This involves the study of government functions, characteristics and administration at the grass-root level.
7. POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: This is a field of specialization which deals with major changes – politically and constitutionally in the life of a state.
8. POLITICAL HISTORY: This is a branch of government which examines the political background and studies the past political activities and other processes in the state.
9. POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY: This involves the study of political behaviour or interactions between the society and the government agencies in the state.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Define government as an art or process of governing.
2. Outline the three processes involved in the formulation and implementation of policies.
3. Highlight the major roles of the following organs of government.

1. 1. Legislature ii. Executive iii. Judiciary
2. What is government as an academic field of study?
3. Why do we study government?
4. Explain four sub-fields of government.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT (Objective Test)

1. Which of the following is related to government as a process of governing (a) implementation and adjudication (b) the role of pressure group within the state (c) disagreement between the state and local government (d) abrogation of fundamental human rights
2. A society without constituted authority is called (a) federal state (b) stateless society (c) government in exile (d) backward society
3. Absence of government in a state is referred to as (a) anarchy (b) confusion (c) coup d’etat (d) instability
4. One of the following implements the laws in the state (a) judiciary (b) Legislature (c) executive (d) public commission.
5. Which of the following best describes the subject matter government? (a) Election (b) People (c) Political party (d) Political power
6. In the study of government, public administration covers the (a) Army, prison officers and the police (b) Civil service, public corporation and local government (c) Ministries of Education, health and agriculture (d) Schools, Hospitals and health centres
7. Government as an academic field of study refers to the (a) president and his ministers (b) study of political institutions and processes (c) working of the organs (d) membership of international organisations.
8. The study of government in school is important because the students can (a) be assisted by political leaders (b) learn about their rights (c) qualify for elections (d) be nominated for trip abroad

Essay Questions:

1. Mention five branches of government.
2. Explain two of the branches mentioned.
3. Outline the three organs of government and their major functions
4. Describe government as an art or process of governing.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Read about some basic concepts in government e.g. power, authority etc.

Presentation

The topic is presented step by step

Step 1:

The class teacher revises the previous topics

Step 2.

He introduces the new topic

Step 3:

The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise

EVALUATION:

1. Define government as an institution of the state.
2. State four characteristics of government.
3. Explain six functions of government as an institution of the state.
4. What is a state?
5. Explain five relationships between a state and government.
6. Define the legislative arm of government.
7. Explain two functions of the executive arm of government
8. Define and state the characteristics of government
9. Explain two functions of government
10. Define government as a process or an art.

GENERAL EVALUATION:(Essay Questions)

1. Describe the term government as an institution of the state.
2. Outline six characteristics of government.
3. Highlight any five duties of government.
4. What is a state?
5. Outline five features of a state.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Objective Test:

1. Government can be defined as the study of (a) constitution (b) cabinet system of government only (c) how people rule themselves (d) presidential system of government only
2. Which of the following is not an acceptable function of government? (a) Defence (b) provision of social amenities (c) subversion (d) embarking on public enlightenment.
3. The primary function of government in a state is to (a) maintain law and order (b) provide transport services (c) engage in campaigns and rallies (d) imprison criminals
4. The functions of the state are achieved through (a) political socialization (b) separation of powers (c) organs of government (d) Diplomatic means
5. A unique feature of a state is (a) information (b) anarchy (c) organised laws (d) direct democracy

Essay Questions

1. Outline five features of a state.
2. State five differences between a state and government.

ASSIGNMENT: Read about the definition of government as a process or art of governing and the reasons for studying government.

Conclusion :

The class teacher wraps up or conclude the lesson by giving out short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.

The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written. He or she does the necessary corrections when the need arises.