Proposed Topics for Assignment in Moral and Civic Education

Individual Assignment
Dear Students, you have to select three questions and discuss briefly.
1. Even though ethics and Civics are two independent academic disciplines, discuss the reason
why the two are twined to be delivered in schools.

2. Discuss the difference between acts and rule utilitarianism with illustration to indicate how the
two are working in real life.

3. Give and explain briefly the various aspects of democracy with practical examples.

4. Why did Emperor Hailassilase the first wanted to have the 1931 written constitution of
Ethiopia.

5. Give and explain briefly the different forms of democracy with their full nature.

6. Explain federalism and its varieties and relate it to the practice in Ethiopia.

Certainly! Let's provide further explanation for each form of democracy:

1. **Direct Democracy**: This type of democracy involves citizens directly participating in

decision-making processes. They have the authority to vote on policies, laws, and other matters
without relying on elected representatives. Direct democracy fosters a sense of individual
involvement and accountability, making it suitable for smaller communities or instances where
citizens can actively engage in decision-making.

2. **Representative Democracy**: In representative democracy, citizens elect representatives

who make decisions on their behalf. These representatives form the government and enact
policies based on the will of the people. Representative democracy is practical in larger
societies, allowing for efficient governance through elected officials who can dedicate time to
policymaking and administration.
3. **Parliamentary Democracy**: This system establishes a close relationship between the
executive and legislative branches of government. The legitimacy of the government comes
from the parliament, and the head of government (usually the prime minister) is elected by the
parliament. Parliamentary democracy promotes collaboration between branches, ensuring
stability and coherence in governance.

4. **Presidential Democracy**: In a presidential democracy, there is a clear separation of

powers between the president and the legislature. The president, elected independently,
serves as both the head of state and head of government. This separation aims to prevent the
concentration of power in one branch and provides a system of checks and balances.

5. **Constitutional Democracy**: A constitutional democracy is characterized by a constitution

that outlines the structure of government, allocates powers, and safeguards individual rights.
The government operates within the bounds of the constitution, ensuring that there are limits
on governmental authority and protection of fundamental rights.

6. **Liberal Democracy**: This form combines democratic principles with a strong commitment
to individual rights and freedoms. Liberal democracies prioritize protecting minority rights,
ensuring freedom of speech, press, and assembly, and maintaining an independent judiciary.
The emphasis is on fostering a pluralistic political environment that respects diverse opinions
and upholds the rule of law.

In essence, the choice of a particular form of democracy depends on various factors such as the
size and needs of the society, cultural values, and historical context. Each form has its own
strengths and weaknesses, contributing to the diverse landscape of democratic governance
worldwide.

7. The FDRE Constitution achievements and challenges.

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority

and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. It allows for a distribution of powers
and responsibilities between the national government and subnational entities, often with each
level of government having its own sphere of authority. Federalism aims to balance the need
for a strong central government with the desire for regional autonomy and local governance.

There are several varieties of federalism, including:

1. **Dual Federalism**: Also known as "layer cake" federalism, this model emphasizes a clear
distinction between the powers of the national government and those of the states. Each level
of government operates independently within its own sphere of authority, with limited overlap.

2. **Cooperative Federalism**: Sometimes referred to as "marble cake" federalism, this model

features greater cooperation and shared responsibilities between the national government and
the states. It often involves joint funding and administration of programs and policies.

3. **Competitive Federalism**: In this model, states compete with each other for resources,
investment, and residents. The idea is that competition leads to innovation and efficiency in
governance, as states strive to attract businesses and individuals through favorable policies and
regulations.
4. **Permissive Federalism**: This approach grants states considerable leeway in policymaking,
allowing them to experiment with different approaches to address local needs and preferences.
The national government typically intervenes only when necessary to address specific issues of
national concern.

5. **Mandatory Federalism**: In contrast to permissive federalism, mandatory federalism

imposes more uniformity and consistency in policy implementation across states. The national
government sets specific standards and requirements that states must follow, particularly in
areas such as civil rights and environmental protection.

Now, relating federalism to the practice in Ethiopia:

Ethiopia is a federal republic composed of nine ethnically based regional states and two self-
governing city administrations. The Ethiopian federal system is designed to accommodate the
country's diverse ethnic groups and promote regional autonomy while maintaining a unified
national identity. Each regional state has its own constitution, government, and legislative
authority over certain areas of governance, such as education, healthcare, and culture.

Ethiopia's federalism reflects elements of both cooperative and competitive federalism. While
the central government retains significant powers, including control over defense, foreign
affairs, and economic policy, there is also a degree of cooperation and shared decision-making
between the federal and regional authorities. Additionally, Ethiopia's federal structure allows
for some level of permissive federalism, as regional states have autonomy in certain policy
areas and can tailor policies to local needs and preferences.
However, Ethiopia's federal system has faced challenges, including tensions between the
central government and regional authorities, disputes over resource allocation and
representation, and concerns about ethnic federalism exacerbating identity-based conflicts.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopia continues to grapple with the complexities of federal
governance as it seeks to balance unity with diversity and promote equitable development
across its regions.

8. What are the need for professional ethics in Ethiopian Institutions?

Professional ethics are essential in Ethiopian institutions for several reasons:

1. **Maintaining Trust and Integrity**: Adhering to professional ethics helps to build and
maintain trust between institutions and the public they serve. When professionals conduct
themselves ethically, they demonstrate integrity and reliability, which are crucial for fostering
confidence in the institution.

2. **Ensuring Accountability**: Professional ethics provide a framework for holding individuals

accountable for their actions and decisions within institutions. When employees follow ethical
guidelines, they are more likely to take responsibility for their conduct and outcomes, reducing
the risk of misconduct or negligence.

3. **Promoting Fairness and Equity**: Ethical standards ensure that decisions within
institutions are made impartially and without bias. Upholding principles of fairness and equity
helps to prevent discrimination and favoritism, ensuring that all individuals are treated justly
and equally.
4. **Protecting Stakeholder Interests**: Ethiopian institutions serve various stakeholders,
including employees, customers, shareholders, and the community at large. Professional ethics
help to safeguard the interests of these stakeholders by ensuring that decisions prioritize their
well-being and are made with their best interests in mind.

5. **Enhancing Professional Reputation**: Institutions that prioritize professional ethics are

likely to enjoy a positive reputation within their respective industries and communities. Ethical
behavior enhances credibility and fosters goodwill, attracting clients, customers, and talented
professionals to the institution.

6. **Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements**: Adhering to professional ethics

often involves complying with legal and regulatory standards governing the institution's
operations. By following ethical guidelines, institutions can avoid legal violations and associated
penalties, safeguarding their reputation and financial stability.

7. **Encouraging Continuous Improvement**: Professional ethics promote a culture of

continuous improvement within institutions by encouraging employees to reflect on their
actions and strive for excellence. Ethical standards provide a basis for learning from mistakes,
implementing best practices, and evolving to meet changing societal expectations.

In summary, professional ethics are essential in Ethiopian institutions to uphold trust,

accountability, fairness, stakeholder interests, reputation, legal compliance, and a culture of
continuous improvement. By adhering to ethical standards, institutions contribute to the
overall well-being and development of Ethiopian society.

9. The questions and exercises of Human Rights in Contemporary Ethiopia.

10. Define citizenship, who could be an Ethiopian Model Citizen? Why?