governance

Governance

Traditions, institutions, and processes that determine how power is exercised, how citizens are given a voice, and how decisions are made on issues of public concern.

Power

Possession of ability to control, authority or influence over others.

Voice

The ability to speak and express one’s thoughts and ideas.

Decisions

The action or process of deciding something or resolving a question.

Executive Branch

Composed of the President, Vice-President, and Cabinet; responsible for implementing laws.

Legislative Branch

Composed of two houses: Senate (24 members) and House of Representatives (254 members); responsible for making, repealing, and altering laws.

Judicial Branch

Composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts; responsible for interpreting laws and deciding on legality.

Good Governance

The process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources, and guarantee the realization of human rights.

Characteristics of Good Governance

Includes participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus-oriented, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability.

Participation

Involvement of all individuals as a key cornerstone of good governance and may be direct or through representatives.

Rule of Law

Enforcement of a fair legal framework that protects human rights.

Transparency

Decisions made in a manner that follows rules and allows access to information.

Accountability

Accepting responsibility for decisions and ensuring liability for proper execution.

Political Dynasty

A family or group of related individuals that holds multiple political offices or continues power through succession.

Civil Society

The collective of individuals and organizations within a society that can influence government decisions and advocate for policy changes.

Private Sector

Includes businesses, industries, and corporations that act as the primary mechanism of the economy.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.