BASIC CONCEPT OF GOVERNMENT 2 CONT’D (LEGITIMACY AND SOVEREIGNTY) Lesson Note
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This SS1 GOVERNMENT lesson note covers BASIC CONCEPT OF GOVERNMENT 2 CONT’D (LEGITIMACY AND SOVEREIGNTY) for First Term, Week 5.
Lesson Note
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
I. Explain the concept of legitimacy and state the need for legitimacy.
II. Explain the impact of legitimacy on the stability of government.
III. Identify factors that determine the legitimacy of a government.
IV. Describe sovereignty as a concept of government and state its characteristics.
V. Explain the types of sovereignty.
Vi. State the limitations of sovereignty in a state.
Vii. Explain the differences between power and authority.
CONTENT
CONCEPT OF LEGITIMACY AND NEED FOR LEGITIMACY
Legitimacy refers to the acceptance by the people that a government has the lawful and rightful authority to govern. A government is considered legitimate when citizens recognise its right to rule and are willing to obey its laws and decisions.
Legitimacy may be obtained through free and fair elections, constitutional procedures, tradition, popular support and the effective performance of government responsibilities.
The need for legitimacy includes:
1. It encourages citizens to obey government laws and policies.
2. It promotes peace and political stability.
3. It gives government the confidence to make and implement decisions.
4. It reduces the likelihood of political resistance and conflict
5. It promotes citizens’ trust and cooperation.
6. It strengthens the authority of government institutions.
ITS IMPACT ON STABILITY OF GOVERNMENT
Legitimacy has a strong influence on the stability of government. When citizens believe that a government has the right to rule, they are more likely to obey its laws and support its policies.
A legitimate government enjoys greater public confidence and cooperation. This helps to reduce political unrest, protests, rebellion and other forms of resistance.
On the other hand, when a government is considered illegitimate, citizens may refuse to obey its decisions. This can lead to political instability, protests, civil unrest and attempts to remove the government.
Therefore, legitimacy helps a government to maintain order, gain public support and remain stable.
FACTOR THAT DETERMINE THE LEGITIMACY OF A GOVERNMENT
1. FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS: A government elected through credible elections is more likely to be accepted as legitimate.
2. CONSTITUTIONAL RULE: Government must operate according to the constitution and established laws.
3. POPULAR SUPPORT: The acceptance and support of citizens contribute greatly to legitimacy.
4. EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE: A government that provides security, social services and infrastructure may gain public acceptance.
5. RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: Respect for citizens’ rights and freedoms increases the legitimacy of government.
SOVEREIGNTY AS A CONCEPT OF GOVERNMENT
Sovereignty is the supreme and final authority of a state to make and enforce decisions within its territory without being controlled by another state.
A sovereign state has the highest legal and political authority over its internal affairs and is independent in its external relations.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOVEREIGNTY
1. SUPREMACY: Sovereignty is the highest authority within the state.
2. PERMANENCE: Sovereignty continues to exist as long as the state exists, even when governments change.
3. INDIVISIBILITY: Sovereignty is regarded as a supreme authority that cannot be divided among competing authorities within the same state.
4. UNIVERSALITY: Sovereignty extends over all persons, organisations and institutions within the territory of the state.
5. INALIENABILITY: Sovereignty cannot permanently be given away without affecting the existence of the state.
TYPES OF SOVEREIGNTY
1. INTERNAL SOVEREIGNTY: This is the supreme authority of a state over people, institutions and activities within its territory.
2. EXTERNAL SOVEREIGNTY: This refers to the independence of a state from external control or interference by other states.
3. LEGAL SOVEREIGNTY: This refers to the body or institution recognised by law as having the highest law-making authority in a state.
4. POLITICAL SOVEREIGNTY: This refers to the ultimate power of the people or electorate to determine who governs them and how they are governed.
5.POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY: This is the principle that the ultimate authority of government comes from the people.
LIMITATIONS OF SOVEREIGNTY IN A STATE
1. CONSTITUTION: The constitution places legal limits on the exercise of government authority.
2. RULE OF LAW: Government officials must act according to established laws.
3. FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS: Government cannot legitimately exercise unlimited power against citizens’ basic rights.
4. INTERNATIONAL LAW: States are expected to observe international laws and obligations.
5. TREATIES AND INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS: States may voluntarily accept obligations that limit their freedom of action in certain areas.
6. PUBLIC OPINION: Strong public opinion can influence and limit government decisions.
Evaluation
1. Legitimacy refers to the
A. rejection of government by citizens
B. acceptance of a government as having the right to rule
C. use of force by the military
D. separation of powers
2. Which of the following can give a government legitimacy?
A. Free and fair elections
B. Political violence
C. Disobedience to law
D. Corruption
3. One major effect of legitimacy is that its
A. promotes political instability
B. encourages citizens to obey government
C. prevents elections
D. weakens government institutions
4. Which of the following is a factor that determines the legitimacy of government?
A. Respect for human rights
B. Political violence
C. Lawlessness
D. Discrimination
5. Sovereignty refers to the
A. supreme authority of a state
B. wealth of a country
C. size of a country
D. population of a country
6. Which of the following is a characteristic of sovereignty?
A. Permanence
B. Weakness
C. Temporary existence
D. Dependence
7. External sovereignty means
A. control over citizens within a state
B. independence from external control
C. control of local governments
D. power of traditional rulers
8. Which of the following can limit the sovereignty of a state?
A. Constitution
B. National anthem
C. Population
D. National flag
9. Popular sovereignty means that ultimate political authority belongs to the
A. military
B. traditional rulers
C. people
D. civil servants
10. Which of the following is a difference between power and authority?
A. Authority is legitimate power
B. Power is always legal
C. Authority is always obtained by force
D. Power and authority have exactly the same meaning
EVALUATION 2 (THEORY)
1a. Define legitimacy and explain five reasons why legitimacy is important to a government.
1b. Explain five factors that determine the legitimacy of a government.
2a. Define sovereignty and state five characteristics of sovereignty.
2b. Explain five types of sovereignty.
2c. State and explain five limitations of sovereignty in a state.