BASIC CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT Lesson Note
This SS1 GOVERNMENT lesson note covers BASIC CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT for First Term, Week 3.
Learning Objectives
- By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define the basic concepts of government.
- Explain the meaning of state, nation and society.
- Distinguish between a state and a nation.
- Identify the essential elements of a state.
- Explain the relationship between state, nation and society.
Lesson Note
A. THE STATE
A state is a politically organized community of people occupying a defined territory, having a government and possessing sovereignty.
For a state to exist, certain essential elements must be present.
B. ELEMENTS OF A STATE
1. Population
This refers to the people living permanently within the territory of the state.
There must be people for a state to exist.
2. Territory
This is the clearly defined geographical area occupied by a state.
It includes: Land, Internal waters, Territorial waters and Airspace
3. Government
Government is the machinery through which the affairs of the state are organized and controlled.
It makes and enforces laws and provides services for citizens.
4. Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the supreme and independent authority of a state to govern itself without external control.
C. NATION
A nation is a group of people who share common characteristics such as history, culture, language, traditions, ancestry or a sense of common identity and may desire political unity.
A nation does not necessarily have its own independent state.
Examples
People who share a common national identity may constitute a nation even when they live within different political boundaries.
D. SOCIETY
A society is a group of people who live together and interact with one another within a particular social environment.
Society is broader than government because it includes families, religious organizations, schools, businesses, associations and other social groups.
E. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATE, NATION AND SOCIETY
State Nation Society
Has a defined territory May or may not have a Refers to people living and
defined political territory interacting together.
Has sovereignty. May not possess sovereignty. Does not necessarily possess
sovereignty.
Has a government. Does not necessarily have a Contains many social organizations.
government
Is a political concept Is mainly based on common Is mainly a social concept.
identity
Evaluation
1. Which of the following is an essential element of a state?
A. Political party
B. Population
C. Pressure group
D. Trade union
2. The supreme authority of a state to govern itself is known as ______.
A. Liberty
B. Sovereignty
C. Equality
D. Justice
3. A group of people who share common history, culture or identity is referred to as a ______.
A. Nation
B. Government
C. Legislature
D. Cabinet
4. The legitimate right to exercise power is called ______.
A. Authority
B. Pressure
C. Influence
D. Force
5. Authority based on customs and traditions is known as ______ authority.
A. Legal-rational
B. Traditional
C. Democratic
D. Judicial
6. The acceptance of a government as lawful and rightful is known as ______.
A. Sovereignty
B. Legitimacy
C. Citizenship
D. Liberty
7. Which of the following is a duty of a responsible citizen?
A. Destroying public property
B. Disobeying laws
C. Paying taxes as required by law
D. Encouraging violence
8. The principle that everyone is subject to the law is called ______.
A. Rule of law
B. Political power
C. Nationalism
D. Franchise
9. Which of the following is a fundamental right of citizens?
A. Right to break the law
B. Right to life
C. Right to steal public property
D. Right to intimidate others
10. Justice can best be described as ______.
A. unfair treatment of citizens
B. fairness in the administration of laws
C. absolute power of government
D. refusal to obey the law
Theory Questions
1a. Define the following terms: state, nation and society.
1b. Explain the four essential elements of a state.
2a. Distinguish between power and authority.
2b. Explain five rights and five duties of a citizen.
2c. What is the rule of law? Explain five principles of the rule of law.