POL 103: Organization of Government, Citizens and State

Lecturers: Dr. Matawal, Dr. Dandak, Level Coordinator Mr. Jim Gotom
Note compiled by: Israel Alpha
Course Schedule: Tuesdays: 10am - 12pm @ Lecture Hall 1

Introduction
  • Proverb Quote: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding…" (Proverbs 4:7)
  • Date of Class: Tuesday 13th of January, 2026
Definition of Government
  • Government makes laws to protect citizens and ensure order in society.
  • Definition: A government is an organization or agency through which political units exercise authority, control, and administer public policy.
  • Governments provide welfare for citizens and possess the power to enforce order while being accountable to no one.
  • Made up of elected individuals and can be seen as a control mechanism for a group of people.
  • Tiers of Government in Nigeria:
    • Federal
    • State
    • Local
  • Constitutional Recognition: All three tiers are recognized by the constitution but are not fully autonomous; they are partially dependent on each other.
  • Arms of Government:
    • Executive
    • Legislative
    • Judiciary
  • Quote by Colin Flint and Taylor Peter (2007): Government is the means through which state power is employed. Through successive governments, administration is executed; this includes the enforcement of laws and the judiciary's role in conflict resolution through its monopoly of violence.
Functions of Government
  1. To Maintain Law and Order:
    • Establish law enforcement through police and armed forces.
  2. Protection of Lives and Properties.
  3. Defend Against Invasion and Insurrection.
  4. Create Unity: Prevent crises among citizens.
  5. Administration of Justice and Conflict Resolution: Obliged to handle disputes between government and citizens.
    • Nigerian Constitution: Chapter 2, Sections 13 & 14 (Subsection 2b) mandates security and welfare as primary governmental purposes.
  6. Resource Management: Responsible for the nation's resources (e.g., oil, gold) for prosperity.
  7. Economic Control: Ensure maximum welfare and social justice for citizens.
  8. Maintenance of External Relations: Membership in international agencies (e.g., ECOWAS, AU).
  9. Provision of Basic Amenities: e.g., food, housing, essential public structures.
Importance of Studying Government
  • Government affects citizen lives significantly; understanding it is essential. Reasons include:
    1. Active participation through political socialization.
    2. Provides insights into various government forms globally.
    3. Aids in formulating solutions for governmental issues.
    4. Knowledge of citizens’ rights, duties, and obligations.
    5. Understanding functions of different government arms.
    6. Familiarity with related fields (Economics, Sociology, Psychology).
Features/Characteristics of Government
  1. Constitution: Every government is guided by a constitutional framework.
  2. Periodic Change: Governments change, especially in democracies.
  3. Legitimacy: Must have popular support.
  4. Revenue Generation: Necessary for government functions.
  5. Political Power: Influence over individuals and groups by enforcing laws.
  6. Universality of Government's Reach.
Forms of Government
Theocracy
  • Definition: Governed by religious leaders, following divine law.
    • Characteristics:
      • Religious doctrines guide political and legal orders.
      • Integration of religious and political authority.
      • Historical examples: Biblical figures (e.g., Prophet Samuel) and modern states (e.g., Vatican, Saudi Arabia).
  • Advantages: Eliminates political polarization, streamlined governance.
  • Disadvantages: Intolerance of differing opinions, persecution of minorities, regulations based on religious doctrine.
Oligarchy
  • Definition: Ruled by a small group with control over state mechanisms.
    • Historical examples: Apartheid South Africa, Americo-Liberian rule in Liberia.
  • Advantages: Power consolidated among experts, less societal pressure, opportunities for skilled individuals to join leadership.
  • Disadvantages: Promotes income inequality, inhibits growth, creates puppet leaders.
Aristocracy
  • Definition: Rule by the elite class known as the best citizens.
    • Examples: Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Turkey.
  • Advantages: Leadership by highly qualified individuals, prevents dictatorial rule, increases governance efficiency.
  • Disadvantages: Not representative of the general public, lack of accountability, civil liberties may be suppressed.
Monarchy
  • Definition: Sovereignty vested in one individual (Monarch).
    • Examples: Britain.
  • Advantages: Stability in leadership, quick decision-making, less corruption.
  • Disadvantages: Absence of checks and balances, potential disconnection from citizens' desires.
Gerontocracy
  • Definition: Rulership by the oldest in a population, based on the belief that elders possess wisdom.
    • Historical examples: Ancient Greek city-state of Sparta.
  • Advantages: Leadership encourages growth based on experience.
  • Disadvantages: Potential bias in leadership due to age.
Plutocracy
  • Definition: Power held by the wealthy class.
    • Exploits policy formulation for the minority's benefit.
Confederation
  • Definition: Union of sovereign states for common purposes (e.g., Canadian Confederation).
  • Reason for Formation: Issue management, such as defense and trade.
Structure of Government
  • Comprised of three branches:
    1. Legislative Arm: Responsible for law-making.
    • Types of Legislature:
      • Uni-cameral
      • Bi-cameral
      • Tri-cameral
    1. Executive Arm: Executes laws, manages daily state administration.
    • Types of Executives:
      • Presidential
      • Parliamentary
      • Dual, Single, Plural, Hereditary, and Elected executives.
    1. Judicial Arm: Interprets laws and resolves disputes.
Importance of the Judiciary
  • Maintains the rule of law, interprets laws, protects constitutional rights, and ensures stability.
  • Independence: Independence from other government branches is crucial for impartial justice.
Problems Facing the Judiciary
  1. Backlogs of cases.
  2. Corruption.
  3. Poor infrastructure.
  4. Inadequate funding.
  5. Executive interference.
  6. Limited access to justice.
Political Party Overview
  • Definition: Organized body of citizens seeking to control government through electoral means.
    • Key Definitions:
      • Gilchrist: An organized group aiming to control government and policy through voting.
      • Gettell: Political unit wanting to influence governance.
  • Functions:
    • Assisting Parliament
    • Formulating public policies
    • Educational function
    • Stability function
    • Leadership recruitment
  • Types of Parties: Elite vs. Mass parties.
Pressure Groups
  • Definition: Association of people impacting government decisions without seeking control over the government. Examples: NUT, NBA, MAN, NLC.
  • Features: Organized groups targeting government policy influence.
Elections and Electoral Processes
  • Definition: Formal government selection through voting.
  • Stages in Nigeria:
  1. Presentation of manifesto
  2. Conduct of primary elections
  3. Nominations
  4. Accreditation
  5. Production of ballot papers
  6. Voting
  7. Counting and result collation
  8. Result declaration

Quote: "…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)