SS1: GOVERNMENT - 2ND TERM
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Types of Government Continues, Federal and Confederal Systems of Government | Week 17 Topics|1 Quiz
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Meaning, Legislative Lists in Federal States and Reasons for Adoption of Federal System
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Features of Federal System of Government
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Merits and Demerits of Federal System of Government
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Meaning and Features of Confederal System of Government
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Merits and Why Confederation is Unpopular
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Differences between Federal and Confederal Systems of Government
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Theory Questions - Federal and Confederal Systems of Government
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Meaning, Legislative Lists in Federal States and Reasons for Adoption of Federal System
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Forms of Government: Presidential System of Government | Week 24 Topics|1 Quiz
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Forms of Government: Parliamentary System of Government | Week 37 Topics|1 Quiz
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Parliamentarianism or Parliamentary System of Government and its Features
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Powers of the Head of State and Powers of the Head of Government
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Collective Responsibility
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Merits and Demerits of Parliamentary System of Government
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Functions of the Opposition Party in a Parliamentary System
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Differences between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems
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Theory Questions – Parliamentary System of Government
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Parliamentarianism or Parliamentary System of Government and its Features
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Structure and Organization of Government: Legislature | Week 46 Topics|1 Quiz
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Meaning, Types and Functions of the Legislature
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Supremacy of the Parliament/Legislative and Limitations
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Merits and Demerits of Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature
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Types of Bills
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Passage of Bills in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government
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Theory Questions - Structure and Organization of Government: Legislature
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Meaning, Types and Functions of the Legislature
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Structure and Organization of Government: Executive | Week 55 Topics|1 Quiz
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Structure and Organization of Government: Judiciary | Week 65 Topics|1 Quiz
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Basic Principles of Government: Political Participation and Political Apathy | Week 75 Topics|1 Quiz
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Meaning and Forms of Political Participation
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Reasons for Political Participation and the Role of Pressure Groups in Promoting Political Participation
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Meaning and Forms of Political Apathy
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Reasons for Political Apathy and Dangers of Political Apathy
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Theory Questions - Political Participation and Political Party
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Meaning and Forms of Political Participation
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Basic Principles of Government: Rule of Law and Delegated Legislation | Week 88 Topics|1 Quiz
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Meaning and Principles of Rule of Law
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Importance and Merits of Rule of Law
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Limitations to Application of Rule of Law
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Factors that can Sustain/Promote Application Rule of Law
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Meaning and Types of Delegated Legislation
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Merits and Demerits of Delegated Legislation
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Control of Delegated Legislation
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Theory Questions - Rule of Law and Delegated Legislation
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Meaning and Principles of Rule of Law
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Basic Principles of Government: Centralization and Decentralization | Week 94 Topics|1 Quiz
Meaning, Forms, Merits and Demerits of Decentralization of Power
Topic Content:
- Meaning of Decentralization of Power
- Merits of Decentralization of Power
- Demerits of Decentralization of Power
What is Decentralization of Power?
Decentralization of Power is the administrative system or model in which political powers are shared in such a way that the component units (states, Regions, Local Units) are not directly subordinate to the central government.
The component units derive their political powers from the constitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental rules that determine how a country or state is run. More which clearly specifies such powers e.g. Federal system of government.
Countries, where political power is decentralized, include Nigeria, the USA, India, Canada, etc.
Forms of Decentralization of Power:
The two forms of decentralization include:
(a) Devolution: It is the process where units are created and allotted governmental powers and functions. These units are granted specific functions and powers by the constitution rather than the central government. These units are to a great extent to control their units e.g. Federal system of government. The constitution clearly spells out the procedure for amendment of the constitution in case there is a need for withdrawing or adjustment of such devolved powers.
(b) Decentralization: In decentralization of power, power is delegated to local units, and supervisory and controlled administrative powers are delegated to the local units & field units e.g. Government, Ministries, Agencies, and Departments.
Demerits of Decentralization of Power:
(i) Decentralization of power is expensive. It requires a lot of resources and personnel due to duplication of offices and functions.
(ii) It encourages slow decision-making due to the wide scope of consultation.
(iii) The rights of minority groups may not be guaranteed. There is always the fear of domination.
(iv) Decentralization of power promotes uneven development.
(v) There may be frictions and disagreements over areas of jurisdictionJurisdiction is the official power to make legal decisions, and enforce laws and judgements. or A jurisdiction is a state or other area in which a particular court and system of... More among the different tiers of government.
(vi) This may promote political instability.
(vii) It may also endanger political unity
(viii) Amendment of the constitution is rigid, difficult and time-consuming.