JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note on Arms of Government

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ARMS OF GOVERNMENT

• Meaning of government

Government can be defined as a group of people or body of persons vested with the authority to rule, protect and direct the affairs of the society or a country.

• Arms of government

The three arms of government are, namely: Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary. For democracy to thrive, the activities and the personnel of these organs must be separated as stipulated in the constitution.

Reasons for Checks and balances

• (i) To check misuse of power.
• (ii) To avoid acting against the constitution.
• (iii) To nurture a country’s democracy.
• (iv)   To prevent breakdown of law and order.
• (v) To make decision that will benefit the nation.
• (vi)   To safeguard the freedom and liberties of the citizens.

(i) THE LEGISLATURE

This is the body that makes laws. In Nigeria, we have a bicameral legislature in the center namely the Senate and the House of Representatives, while at the state and local government levels, it is unicameral legislature.

Apart from law making, the legislature also performs some other functions such as defense of fundamental human rights, supervision of the executive, ratification of major executive decisions and appointment, as well impeachment of the President when the need arises.

(ii) EXECUTIVE

This is the organ of government responsible for implementing the law.  At the Federal level, we have the following as members President, Vice President, Ministers and the civil servants, while in the state level we have the Governors, Deputy Governors, commissioners and the civil service.  Other functions of the executive may include formulation of major decisions, creation of employment, maintenance of law and order as well as defending the country form external and internal attacks.  These include foreign policy formulation and implementation.

(iii) JUDICIARY

This is the organ of government responsible for law interpretation and settlement of disputes. They also defend the rights of the people and punish lawbreakers.  This organ of government is mainly made up of the court of law. The court is seen as the last hope of the common man.  Therefore, there is need for the independence of the judiciary.

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