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SS1: GOVERNMENT - 2ND TERM

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  1. Types of Government Continues, Federal and Confederal Systems of Government | Week 1
    7 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  2. Forms of Government: Presidential System of Government | Week 2
    4 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  3. Forms of Government: Parliamentary System of Government | Week 3
    7 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  4. Structure and Organization of Government: Legislature | Week 4
    6 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  5. Structure and Organization of Government: Executive | Week 5
    5 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  6. Structure and Organization of Government: Judiciary | Week 6
    5 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  7. Basic Principles of Government: Political Participation and Political Apathy | Week 7
    5 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  8. Basic Principles of Government: Rule of Law and Delegated Legislation | Week 8
    8 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  9. Basic Principles of Government: Centralization and Decentralization | Week 9
    4 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
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Topic Content:

  • Meaning of Presidential System of Government
  • Features of Presidential System of Government

In the Presidential System of Government, one person is both the Head of State and the Head of Government. He performs ceremonial functions and exercises executive powers.

Countries that operate the presidential system include Nigeria, the USA, South Africa, Ghana, etc.

In 1979, Nigeria adopted a federal presidential constitution. Presidential elections were held in Nigeria for the first time on 11 August 1979. The result was a victory for Shehu Shagari, whose National Party of Nigeria had won the parliamentary elections in July.

shehu shagari
The first executive president of Nigeria was Shehu Shagari. Shagari was also the first president to be elected to the position.

Features of Presidential System of Government:

(i) Due person (president) is both the Head of State and Head of Government.

(ii) The president is elected by the entire state directly or indirectly.

(iii) The president stays in office for a fixed term and a minimum of two terms.

(iv) Principles of separation of powers exist in the presidential system.

(v) There is also the principle of checks and balances

(vi) The ministers are individually responsible to the president who can appoint and remove them.

(vii) There is supremacy of the constitution.

(viii) Ministers can be appointed from anywhere, even from the opposition party to form a coalition or national government.

(ix) Opposition parties are not officially recognized.

(x) The president can be removed from office through an impeachment process.

(xi) There is a bicameral legislature and bills can be introduced from any of the chambers.