NACABS POLYTECHNIC

AKWANGA, NASARAWA STATE.

Department of Computer Science

ND 1
Second Semester

COURSE TITLE: Citizenship Education

COURSE CODE: GNS 128

PRESENTATION QUESTION: Meaning and functions of state and

government

LECTURER IN CHARGE: Mr. Oscar Garbage

GROUP E:
1. Baba Grace Nasara - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/0359
2. Gloria Elijah - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/
3. Kelechi Isaac - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/
4. Asmau Malo - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/
5. Margret Victor - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/0366
6. Ogbole Anthony - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/
7. Mohammed musa - NPAK/CSC/ND/021/
8. Uker Ternenge Francis- NPAK/CSC/ND/021/

THEORIES OF THE ORIGIN OF GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE

We have discussed several purposes for governments in the previous lesson, but not how the first governments arose. Well, no one
really knows how the first governments were born. However, there are four theories that have been accepted as to how the first
governments were established. Political scientists have advanced the four theories to explain the origins of government as an
institution of state.

Force Theory
The history of force theory proposes that the origin of state is developed through the use of force. One person or a small group of
people claim control over the population in a specific area by force. Once the rule is well established, the state is established. This
theory is generally a result of war. As an example, Adolf Hitler and his control over Germany led to the attempted control of Europe
as well as the mass genocide of the Jewish population during the Holocaust.

Evolutionary Theory
This theory proposes that the state evolved over time starting with the primitive family. One person in the family was determined to
be the leader of the family. On a primitive level, a basic evolutionary theory government was formed. Over decades, the family
became a clan and a clan became a tribe. The state was then identified when the tribe settled in a designated area and claimed it as
their own. Native American tribes are an example of primitive families that formed as tribes and selected a chief to be the leader of
this family.

Divine Right Theory

The divine right theory holds that God created the state and gave certain individuals of royal birth the divine right to rule. Since God
divinely ordained its rulers and they were accountable to God, the population obeyed the ruler as they were required to obey God.
This theory existed in many countries such as England and Europe throughout the Middle Ages and helped lead to the religious-
based conquests of other lands.

Social Contract Theory

In the final theories of state development, social contract theory shows that a specific population within a given designated area
gave up as much power to a government as needed to promote the well-being of all. Specifically, in social contract theory, the
community population and the leader have a contract. The state has power and authority over the territory while the community
receives certain services such as a safe, crime-free area in which to live and keep their rights protected. This theory was developed
in the 17th and 18th centuries by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau.

DEFINITION OF A STATE
A state may be defined as a politically organised body of people inhabiting a defined geographical entity with an organized
legitimate government.
A state must be free from all forms of external control to exercise its sovereignty within its area of jurisdiction. It must be noted that
a state differs from a kingdom and empire. Nigeria is an example of a state, while Owu is a good example of a kingdom and Oyo, an
empire.
Features of a State
In order for a state to exist, it must have the following features.
1. Population: The most obvious essential feature of a state is its people. “States where the population shares a general
political and social consensus (an agreement) about basic beliefs, have the most stable governments.”
2. Territory: A state or country or city has certain boundaries. Conflicts can arise between states and countries over where
borders should be placed. Boundaries can also be changed due to war, purchase or territory, or negotiations between
governments.
3. Sovereignty: “The key characteristic of a state. Political sovereignty means the state has absolute supreme authority within
the boundary of its territory. It can make laws, shape foreign policy, and make its own actions without the approval of a
higher authority.
4. Government: A government “is the institution through which the state maintains social order, provides public services, and
enforces decisions that are binding on its citizens.”
 5. Permanence: A state must be relatively permanent, unlike the government which changes from time to time. This
permanence makes it possible for a state to develop as it should.
6. Recognition: For a territory to be called a state, it must be recognized by other states and international organizations that
surrounds it. This recognition will hinder any form of violence or war for boundaries and the likes.

FUNCTIONS OF A STATE
There has been incessant controversy about what the state shall do. Political thinkers have from time to time advanced many
theories to define the sphere of state activity. On the one hand, there are thinkers like anarchists, communists, etc who question the
very existence of the state and advocate a stateless society. On the other hand, there are the absolute thinkers like idealists who
regard the state omnipotent and entrust to it every action pertaining to human life. Well, here are some of the agreed-upon functions
of a state:

The very nature of the state already sets limitation on the functions of the state. The state has limits to what it can do. The state,
though universal, is a limited agency. It is limited by the means at its disposal. It is limited by the customs of the community.

 Maintenance of Order
The primary function is the maintenance of order in society. The state possesses peculiar attributes which enable it to perform this
function. For the maintenance of order, its primary task, the state performs a number of subsidiary functions like that of regulating
and coordinating the work of other associations, defining the rights and obligations of citizenship, establishing and controlling
means of communication and transportation, establishing units and standards of computation, measurement value etc., formulating
specific rights and obligations of persons within the family, within the economic order and within other social relationships,
maintaining armies and police and providing for justice.

 Conservation and Provision of Social Amenities

If the exploitation of natural resources is left in the hands of private individuals, then they will seek their own gain at the cost of
communal gain. The state can better uphold the interest of the whole and the interest of the future as against the competitive
interests. So conservation of forests, fisheries, and exploitation of mineral resources are functions which the state should undertake.
It is the responsibility of the state to provide such social amenities like schools, hospitals, roads, portable water, electricity, public
toilet facilities, recreational facilities, housing, etc. This function is carried out by government agencies but in recent times, some
governments create the enabling environment for some individuals to provide these amenities for profit.

 Provision of Employment and Promotion of Economic Activities

The state is expected to provide employment for its citizens. In many countries this is included in the constitution of the state. In
Africa, for example, where entrepreneurship is minimal, the bulk of the employment is created by the state through state and Para-
state institutions. It is the function of the state to promote the economic development of the country. Governments are expected to
establish public corporations to produce goods and services for the people as well as create the enabling environment for private
individuals to do so also.

 Guarantee of Human Rights and Protection of Citizens

Another important function of the state is to guarantee the rights of its citizens are protected especially the fundamental rights such
as the right to life. This creates the environment for the citizens to enjoy everything the state has to offer. This also helps to make
sure that citizens feel safe and secure in their homes, thereby, fostering trust and societal stability.
It is also the function of a state to protect the rights of its citizens. The rights of the citizen include the right to life, freedom of
association, free movement, to own property etc. This responsibility is carried out on behalf of government by the combined effort
of two arms of government, the Judiciary and the Executive.
  Fostering Foreign Relations
A country does not and cannot live in isolation. For this reason, the state establishes external relationships with other countries to
bring about the mutual benefit of all. This function is dedicated to the ministries of Foreign Affairs of the countries involved.

MEANING AND SCOPE OF GOVERNMENT

DEFINING GOVERNMENT
When you hear the word “government”, what comes to mind? Are you immediately angry or perhaps, indifferent? Do you instantly
get turned off? Maybe, you’re from and live in a country where you feel the government doesn’t work for its citizens or one where
the government seems to be indifferent to the plight of the masses.
Government affects all aspects of people’s lives. What we eat, where we go to school, what kind of education we receive, how our
tax money is spent. In fact, even what we do in our free time is somewhat affected by government. Nigerians and citizens of many
other countries are often unaware of the pervasiveness of government in their everyday lives, and many are unsure precisely what it
does.

Government as an institution of the state

Government as an institution of the state is defined as the machinery that is setup by the state to administer it’s functions and duties.
It can be seen as a ‘machinery’ set up by the state, to keep the state organised, run its affairs and administer its various functions and
duties.
The coming together of people to live in a society resulted in the need to form a body (government) which will handle the
administration of the society. If a state should exist without this kind of body (government), anarchy is said to reign in such a state.

Government as an institution of the state is made up of three organs:

The Executive– This organ formulates and implements policies
The Legislature– This organ makes laws
The Judiciary – The Judiciary is the organ that interprets the law.

Government as an art of governing

Government is an art of governing. A government is a body vested with the supreme power of the affairs of a state. The supreme
power of a state lies in the hands of the government thus giving it the authority to make and enforce laws and implement policies as
well. The government can also punish any erring member of the society that breaks the law. The principle of separation of power
aids the government in efficient administration.

Government as a field of study

Government is also a subject, a social science subject, studied in various educational institutions (primary, secondary and tertiary).
It is known as Political Science in higher institutions. Government Studies covers a range of International Relations, Comparative
Politics, Public Administration and so on.

Major Characteristics and Features of Government

Given below are the major characteristics and features of the government in a state:

 Constitution: This is a major characteristic of a government. The government make a set of agreed rules which guides it in
the administration of the state.
 Periodic Change: A government is meant to change after a specific period of time. No government is permanent,
particularly a democratic or elective government which changes through periodic election.
 Legitimacy: A government must enjoy the support of the people.
  Revenue: The government makes revenue in different ways to enhance its administration.
 Political Power: The government must possess political power which is a tool of rooting orderliness in a state.
 Universality of Government’s Reach: The jurisdiction of the government must reach or extend to everyone within the
state.
 Public Institutions: The institutions comprising the government of a political society, differ from the other institutions
within the society.
Functions Of Government
 Law Making
 Military defense of the country
 Provision of employment
 Maintenance of law and order
 Promotion of economic growth and development
 Maintaining good relations with other sovereign states or countries (foreign diplomacy)
 Protection of civil liberties
 Protection of lives and properties
 Administration of justice
 Formulation and implementation of policies
 Provision of social-welfare services

Why Study Government

1. To understand the influence government has on your daily life.
2. To understand why the government produces the policies it does.
3. To understand and interpret current events in a rapidly changing world.
4. To understand how countries attempt to resolve conflicts and seek to establish order and security.
5. To develop the ability to solve problems and make good decisions when current events and economic and social issues affect
you directly.
6. To apply your understanding when voting, petitioning, and speaking publicly.
7. To deal with the government effectively in your future profession.
8. To prepare for a career that requires a strong knowledge of government.
9. To use your understanding of government to participate and bring about change in your community or country.
10. To contribute to the success of a democracy that depends on your understanding and active participation.

Problems Associated With Studying Government

 It is not easy to put into practice all the mechanism in the various systems of government.
 There are too many systems of government in the world and it requires a considerable effort to study all the complexities
involved and decide which one is good for a country.
 Government as an academic field of study is very broad because its frontiers have not been fully defined.

FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
Functions of government includes law making, maintenance of law and orders, defense of the government and the state,
maintenance of international relations, ensuring the general welfare of citizens and the social and economic development of the
people.
  Initiation of Policies and Law Making:
The legislative arm of government is saddled with the responsibility of making laws for the country. Law making is an important
function of government. The executive initiates policies or bills to be passed into law.
All arms of government make rules in the performance of their function. The main duty of the legislative arm of government is law
making for the welfare of the people. Government also enforces those laws through laid down procedures, institution and sanctions.

 Maintenance of law and Order:

Maintenance of law and order by the government seems to be the heaviest function the government is facing. The enforcement of
laws and orders, stabilize government, enthrone order and protect the welfare of the people.
The law made by the legislature and policies of the executive and the judiciary have to be enforced by the law enforcement agents.
The manner of enforcement, the strictness and non discriminatory practices are important.
In Nigeria like many African countries, our burden hinges on non-enforcement of laws and orders or discrimination in the
enforcement of the laws. The police and other security agents have the duty to enforce the laws and order in the country.

 Defense of Government:
One the major function of the government is to defend the country against internal secession, opposition and external aggression.
They also defend its policies and properties of the citizens against enemies.

 Maintenance of international Relation:

It is the duty of the government to maintain external relation with other foreign countries of the world. Nigeria belongs to and plays
prominent roles in a number of international organizations like African Union, Economic Community of West African States and
Common Wealth of Nations, United Nation Organizations, Organization of Petroleum Exporting countries, Non Aligned Nations
etc. Nigeria maintains relations with foreign countries and international agencies.
Nigeria also has Nigeria High Commission in many countries of the world for sole purpose of maintaining international relation.

 Maintenance of General Welfare and Education:

It is the duty of the government to provide essential services for the people such service include, portable water, good road, health
care, affordable housing, electricity, recreational parks, markets, post office, schools, staff quarters – both for senior and junior
staffs.
Government carryout these functions in order to better the livelihood of the citizens. Without the efforts of the government the
citizens may not enjoy all the social benefits they ought to.

 Promotion of Economic and Social Activities:

Government provides the enabling environment for economic and social development or economic and social growth. Government
creates standard for economic and social development.
It is the function of the government to create economic policies and provide certain economic enterprises in manufacturing, mining,
steel rolling etc.
The economic trapping of government depends on its economic programmes and level of enterprise. The level of and standard of
government interests in the economic areas are essential for the running of government.

 Guarantee of Human Rights and Protection of Citizens:

Another important function of the state is to guarantee the rights of its citizens are protected especially the fundamental rights such
as the right to life. This creates the environment for the citizens to enjoy everything the state has to offer. This also helps to make
sure that citizens feel safe and secure in their homes, thereby, fostering trust and societal stability.
It is also the function of a state to protect the rights of its citizens. The rights of the citizen include the right to life, freedom of
association, free movement, to own property etc. This responsibility is carried out on behalf of government by the combined effort
of two arms of government, the Judiciary and the Executive.
REFERENCE
 Definition and feature of state
https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/introduction-to-government/definition-and-features-of-state/
 Functions of a state
https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/introduction-to-government/functions-of-a-state/
 Functions of Government
https://www.walyben.com/functions-of-government/
 Meaning of Government
https://www.proconservative.net/CUNAPolSci201PartOneB2.shtml

S/N NAME MATRIC. NO. SCORE

1 Baba Grace Nasara NPAK/CSC/ND/021/0359

2 Gloria Elijah NPAK/CSC/ND/021/

3 Kelechi Isaac NPAK/CSC/ND/021/

4 Asmau Malo NPAK/CSC/ND/021/

5 Margret Victor NPAK/CSC/ND/021/0366

6 Ogbole Anthony NPAK/CSC/ND/021/

7 Mohammed musa NPAK/CSC/ND/021/

8 Uker Ternenge Francis NPAK/CSC/ND/021/