Elements of Government

1. Define and differentiate various forms of government.
2. Explain the functions and relationships between the different organs of government.
3. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different political systems.
4. Understand the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.
5. Evaluate the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society.

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of Government

   • Unit 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of Government · 2 hours

     Read the introduction to understand the purpose and objectives of the course.. Define the concept of government from different perspectives.. Discuss the functions of government and the differences between government and the State..

2. Week 2Module 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of Government

   • Unit 2: Organs of Government · 2 hours

     Study the composition of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.. Discuss the functions and distinctions between these bodies.. Analyze how each organ acts as checks and balances on the others..

3. Week 3Module 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of Government

   • Unit 3: Classifications of Government · 2 hours

     Explain various classifications of government.. Discuss different types of government, such as monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.. Differentiate between different governments based on their characteristics..

4. Week 4Module 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of Government

   • Unit 4: Forms/Types of Government · 2 hours

     Discuss different forms of government, including monarchy, aristocracy, theocracy, oligarchy, dictatorship, and democracy.. Explain the merits and demerits of each type of government.. Compare and contrast different types of government..

5. Week 5Module 2: Types of Political Systems

   • Unit 1: Types of Political Systems · 2 hours

     Analyze the characteristics of various forms of governments.. Discuss how political organizations have evolved from one form to another.. Explain which system of government best protects the rights of citizens..

6. Week 6Module 2: Types of Political Systems

   • Unit 2: Presidential System of Government · 2 hours

     Define the presidential system of government and its basic features.. Identify the benefits and dangers of the presidential system.. Use examples of countries to understand the practical application of this system..

7. Week 7Module 2: Types of Political Systems

   • Unit 3: The Parliamentary System of Government · 2 hours

     Define and explain the basic features of the parliamentary system of government.. Understand the primacy of parliament and the role of the cabinet.. Know the advantages and disadvantages of the parliamentary system..

8. Week 8Module 2: Types of Political Systems

   • Unit 4: Unitary Political System · 2 hours

     Define the unitary system of government and its major features.. Use examples of countries to understand the unitary system.. Explain the benefits and weaknesses of the unitary system..

9. Week 9Module 2: Types of Political Systems

   • Unit 5: Federal Political System · 2 hours

     Know the meaning and features of Federalism.. Understand conditions necessary for a federal structure.. Identify forms of federal systems and reasons for different variants..

10. Week 10Module 3: Organs of Government and Their Functions

    • Unit 1: The Legislature: Functions and Structure · 2 hours

      Know the origin and development of the legislative arm of government.. Understand the functions it performs in the process of governance.. Explain why countries operate different legislative structures..

11. Week 11Module 3: Organs of Government and Their Functions

    • Unit 2: Executive - Definition and Functions · 2 hours

      Discuss the concept and place of the executive as an arm of government.. Explain the structure and types of the Executive organ of government.. Mention the functions and responsibilities of the executive branch..

12. Week 12Module 3: Organs of Government and Their Functions

    • Unit 3: The Judiciary: Its Role and Independence · 2 hours

      Understand the functions of the Judiciary as an arm of government.. Know the concept and ingredients of the independence of the Judiciary.. Appreciate that judicial officers can sometimes perform legislative functions..

13. Week 13Module 4: Operations and Regulation of Government Business

    • Unit 1: The Theory of Separation of Powers · 2 hours

      Define the doctrine of separation of power and explain its objectives.. Understand the limitations of the theory of separation of power.. Know why some countries operate separation of powers while others prefer fusion of powers..

    • Unit 2: The Concept of Checks and Balances · 2 hours

      Define the mechanism of checks and balances.. Explain its objectives and relevance to the organization of government.. Understand its application, especially in countries practicing the presidential system..