Elements of Government

Power differs from influence in that it is

• persuasive while influence is directive

• coercive while influence is harmful

• coercive while influence is persuasive

• arrogant while influence is corruptive

Answer explanation

Power differs from influence in that it is coercive while influence is persuasive.

Influence can be defined as the ability to create an impact on the beliefs and actions of an individual. Influence evokes respect. Those under the influence keep working in the desired manner even in the absence of the influential person. 

power is the ability of a person or a group of persons to enforce his or their decisions on other people by use of sanctions, punishment, or penalties against disobedience. On the other hand, through persuasion and conviction, an individual could be made to accept and obey the views of other persons.

The rule of law is a cardinal principle associated with

• democratic systems

• federal systems

• communist systems

• feudal systems

Answer explanation

The rule of law is a fundamental principle associated with democratic systems. In a democratic system, the rule of law means that everyone, including government officials, is subject to and accountable under the law. This means that laws are applied consistently and fairly and ensures that individuals and institutions are governed by a set of rules rather than the arbitrary decisions of those in power. Democratic systems respect the rule of law to safeguard individual rights, promote justice and prevent the abuse of power.

A typical form of delegated legislation is

• acts of parliament

• decree

• bye - law

• gazette

Answer explanation

A bye-law is a form of delegated (or secondary) legislation, where the power to make laws is delegated by the legislature to a local authority or an organisation to make regulations within a certain area or for specific purposes. These laws apply to local or specific issues and are subordinate to primary legislation (acts of parliament).

One main weakness of a unitary system of government is that

• it facilitates the domination of minority groups

• the constitution can be amended easily

• it is run as a single entity

• carpet - crossing and opposition are made difficult

Answer explanation

In a unitary system of government, power is concentrated at the national level, and local governments, if they exist, have limited powers that can be revoked by the central government. This centralisation of authority can lead to the domination of minority groups, as the central government may not fully represent the interests of all regions or minority populations, particularly those in less politically dominant areas.

One of the major sources of a constitution is

• judicial precedence

• political debate

• opinion poll

• executive order

Answer explanation

Judicial precedence (also known as case law or stare decisis) is a major source of a constitution. Courts follow previous judicial decisions when making rulings on similar cases, and over time, these decisions can become part of the constitutional framework.

One of the central tenets of the fascist doctrine is that the leader is

• supreme relative to the constitution

• subordinate to the norms of the society

• subordinate to the laws of the state

• weak relative to the constitution

Answer explanation

In fascism, the leader (often referred to as the Führer or Duce) is considered supreme and above the constitution, laws and norms of society. Fascist ideology emphasises the absolute authority of the leader, who is seen as the embodiment of the state and its will. This authoritarian system often disregards democratic processes, the rule of law and constitutional limits on power.

Constitutionalism refers to the

• process of operating a constitution

• process of drafting a constitution

• adherence to a constitution

• • amendment of an existing constitution

  
  

Answer explanation

Constitutionalism is the principle that government should operate within the limits and framework set by a constitution. It is adherence to the constitution as a guiding authority. It means that the actions of the government remain within the boundaries of constitutional law. 

Under the Presidential system of government the legislature and the executive are

• elected separately to a fixed term

• elected separately to an unfixed term

• appointed by the judiciary to a fixed term

• appointed at the same time to an unfixed term

Answer explanation

In a Presidential system of government, the legislature and the executive (the President) are elected independently of each other. Both branches serve fixed terms: for example, in Nigeria, the President and members of the House of Assembly serve fixed terms of four years. This separation ensures that the executive and legislative branches operate independently, preventing any undue influence from one branch over the other and supporting the principle of checks and balances.

The Supreme Court, through its interpretations of the constitution, is a

• protector of the state

• guardian of freedom

• preserver of the status quo

• • participator in the politics of the state

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court, by interpreting the Constitution, acts as a guardian of freedom by protecting the rights and liberties of individuals. Through its rulings, the Court upholds constitutional principles and ensures that laws and governmental actions do not infringe on the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

Separation of powers is a principle which enables each arm of government to

• probe one another

• overlap the functions of the other

• carry out its constitutional functions

• moderate the scope of the constitution

Answer explanation

Separation of powers is a principle that allows each arm of government—the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary—to function independently and carry out its designated roles as outlined by the Constitution. This principle helps to prevent any one branch from exercising too much power by ensuring that each branch operates within its own defined responsibilities.