Organization Of Government

1. Understand the meaning, origin, and functions of government
2. Have an in-depth knowledge of the basic structures and organs of government
3. Be familiar with the levels and systems of government and how they operate
4. Explain the concept of separation of powers
5. Discuss the importance of rule of law in a democratic society

13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Government

   • Unit 1: Meaning and Functions of Government · 3 hours

     Define government from various perspectives. Compare government and state. Explain the functions of government.

2. Week 2Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Government

   • Unit 2: Origin and Necessity of Government · 3 hours

     Explain the evolutionary, force, divine right, and social contract theories of government origin. Discuss the necessity of government for peaceful and prosperous existence.

3. Week 3Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Government

   • Unit 3: Forms of Government · 3 hours

     State and explain the different forms of government (monarchy, aristocracy, theocracy, oligarchy, dictatorship, democracy). Compare and contrast the different forms of government.

4. Week 4Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Government

   • Unit 4: Basis of Classification of Governments · 3 hours

     Explain various classifications of government. Discuss different types of government. Differentiate between different governments.

5. Week 5Module 2: Organs of Government

   • Unit 1: The Legislature · 3 hours

     Discuss the origin and development of the legislative arm of government. Examine the functions of the legislature in the process of governance. Explain the reasons why countries operate different legislative structures.

6. Week 6Module 2: Organs of Government

   • Unit 2: Law-Making Process · 3 hours

     Explain the major stages of lawmaking in a parliament. Identify the law-making process at the local government level. Differentiate the law-making process between an elected parliament and a military government.

7. Week 7Module 2: Organs of Government

   • Unit 3: Delegated Legislation · 3 hours

     Define the concept and types of delegated legislation. Explain the reasons for the transfer of power to make laws to another organ of government. Argue for and against the practice of delegated legislation.

8. Week 8Module 2: Organs of Government

   • Unit 4: The Executive · 3 hours

     Explain the meaning of the executive, as an organ of government. Discuss the composition and types of executive organ of government. Mention the basic functions of the executive organ of government.

9. Week 9Module 2: Organs of Government

   • Unit 5: The Judiciary · 3 hours

     Examine the meaning and functions of the Judiciary as an organ of government. Discuss the hierarchy of courts in Nigeria. Explain the concept and ingredients of the independence of the Judiciary.

10. Week 10Module 3: Operations and Regulation of Government

    • Unit 1: The Theory of Separation of Powers · 3 hours

      Define the theory of separation of power and explain its objectives. Discuss the limitations of the theory of separation of power when applied to the organisation of modern government. Examine why some countries operate separation of powers while others prefer a fusion of powers.

11. Week 11Module 3: Operations and Regulation of Government

    • Unit 2: The Doctrine of Checks and Balance · 3 hours

      Examine the meaning of checks and balances. Explain its relevance to the organisation and operation of modern government. Discuss its application, especially in countries practising the presidential system of government.

12. Week 12Module 3: Operations and Regulation of Government

    • Unit 3: Rule of Law · 3 hours

      Examine the concept of rule of law and its principles. Discuss the limitations to the concept of rule of law in practice. Explain the application of rule of law between a democracy.

13. Week 13Module 3: Operations and Regulation of Government

    • Unit 4: Evaluation of Rule of Law in Nigeria · 3 hours

      Discuss the application of the concept of rule of law in Nigeria. Explain how rule of law can be employed to promote democracy and good governance. Appreciate that without a free press, a vigilant citizenry and an independent judiciary, government alone cannot guarantee strict adherence to rule of law.