Defining Government, Its Characteristics, Functions, and Importance

Vocabulary flashcards defining government as an institution, process, and academic discipline, including its organs, characteristics, functions, and the importance of studying it.

Government (as an Institution)

A machinery established by the state to organise the state, manage its affairs, and administer its functions and duties, through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed, and realised.

Executive

The organ or structure of government primarily concerned with policy formulation and implementation.

Legislature

The organ of government responsible for law-making to ensure peace and order in society.

Judiciary

The organ of government that concentrates mainly on the interpretation of the law, the administration of justice, and the settlement of disputes.

Government (as an Art of Governing)

A body vested with supreme power over state affairs, responsible for maintaining peace and security, making and enforcing laws, and implementing policies for the well-being of society.

Government (as an Academic Field of Study)

A social science discipline—popularly known in higher institutions as Political Science—that studies political institutions, political values, doctrines, and the views of political thinkers.

Public Administration

A branch of government as an academic field of study that deals with human management in government establishments or public affairs.

International Relations (Academic Branch)

A branch of study that deals with diplomacy and external relations with other countries.

Political Thought / Theories

A branch of government study concerned with the ideas and doctrines of early political thinkers such as Locke, Hobbes, and Machiavelli.

Comparative Politics

A branch of study that focuses on the comparative analysis of the governments and political systems of other states.

Law (Attribute of Government)

Rules made by the government and entrenched in the constitution that serve as a guide to the activities, beliefs, and behaviour of citizens.

Political Power

The authority held by the government that operates in consonance with the people's will to obey the laws and policies made by the state.

Civil Service Workforce

The adequate personnel possessed by the government responsible for policy-making, implementation, interpretation, and punishment of offenders.

Periodic Change

The characteristic of an elective government establishing that no government is permanent, typically demonstrated through regular elections conducted every four or five years.

Defence of the Country

A fundamental function of government performed by the armed forces to defend against external aggression and maintain the territorial integrity of the state.

External Affairs Function

A governmental role centered on maintaining good relations with other countries, conducted in Nigeria by the Head of State, the Ministry of External Affairs, and diplomatic representatives.

Raising of Public Revenue

A government function involving the collection of funds via taxes, fines, fees, and import and export duties to finance public services and infrastructure.

INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission)

A government agency responsible for the conduct of regular, free, and fair elections in Nigeria.

Legitimate Government

A government that possesses the legitimate support and mandate of the people, which produces peace and stability within the system.

Political Education

The benefit of studying government that educates citizens about political affairs, civic duties, obligations, and rights.

Political Culture

The set of political orientations, values, and attitudes that an individual develops through the study of government.

The State

An organised body of people occupying a definite geographical entity with a government free from external control, commanding habitual obedience from its citizens (e.g., Ghana, Benin Republic).