Government and the Economy

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes regarding the South African government's structure, functions, and role within the economy.

Government

The people who exercise authority over a country.

The Constitution

The highest law of South Africa, acting as a basic set of rules for how the country is governed, including the rights and duties of citizens and the powers of the government.

Public services and infrastructure

Basic facilities provided by the government to manage a country, such as roads, electricity supply, railways, and harbors.

Tax

A country's largest source of income, which the government collects from individuals and businesses to provide services.

National budget

A plan that explains how the tax money of citizens will be used by the government.

Internal threats

People within a country who do not obey laws and threaten the safety of others.

External threats

Other countries that threaten to invade a country.

Legislative authority

The pillar of government that passes legislation, represented by Parliament (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces).

Executive authority

The pillar of government that proposes legislation to parliament, consisting of the President, Deputy President, and Ministers.

Judicial authority

The pillar of government responsible for interpreting legislation, consisting of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, High Courts, and Magistrate's Courts.

Cape Town

The legislative capital of South Africa where the Parliament building is located.

Pretoria

The executive capital of South Africa where the Union Buildings are located.

Bloemfontein

The judicial capital of South Africa where the Supreme Court of Appeal is located.

National government

The highest authority in South Africa that manages the country, determines national policy, and sets the national budget.

Premier

The head of a provincial government.

Local government

The level of government consisting of municipalities managed by a municipal council.

Mayor

The head of a municipal council at the local government level.

Government as a consumer

The role the government plays when it consumes goods and services from producers, such as buying bricks to build a public hospital.

Government as a producer

The role the government plays when it produces and provides goods and services to households and businesses.

Interdependence

The relationship between households, businesses, and the government where they rely on each other for labor, taxes, and the provision of services.