Government

Social Studies Form 5

 Head of State
(Governor
General)

Legislature Judiciary Executive

(Parliament) (Courts) (Cabinet)

Senate House of Supreme

Industrial Magistrate Prime Ministers of
(Upper Representatives Court of
Courts Court Minister Government
House) (Lower House) Justice

Speaker Prime Minister

High Court of Court of Civil Ministries
of the Ministers of
Justice Appeal Service For example:
House Gov’t
Agriculture
Opposition
Ministers Sports
 Separation of Powers
• The Government of a country is separated into three (3) branches known as
the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executive.
• These branches are each given certain powers to enable them to carry out
their individual function under a principle known as separation of power.
• Separation of powers is important as it ensures that each branch of
government functions on its own. The other two arms also work as a check
on the other.
 The Legislature
• The legislature has the function of enacting laws. It has the power to pass, amend
and repeal laws.
• In the Caribbean we have a bicameral legislature, where there are two (2) assemblies.
This is based on the Westminster Style of Government, made popular in England.
• The members of the Lower House or Parliament are selected by winning a seat in a
general election, which usually take place every five (5) years.
• The members of the Upper House are nominated (appointed) either by the
government, the opposition and some by the head of state.
 The Legislative: Passing a Bill
• A proposal is drafted. • The bill is then passed to the upper house and the
process of debate and voting takes place once
• The draft bill is issued for consultation to rectify
again.
any issues.
• The bill is introduced into the lower house (and • The bill is returned to the lower house to take
into consideration the opinions of the members
read a first time).
of the upper house.
• The bill is read a second time and debated upon.
Then a vote is taken.
• Once agreement is reached, the bill is passed to
the head of state to be signed.
• If passed, the bill enters the committee stage and
further adjusted.
• The bill then becomes an Act of Parliament and
may come into effect on the day it is signed or
• The bill is then returned for a third reading and otherwise specified.
final debate.
• I like to eat dinner with my family.
• I like to eat dinner and my family.
 The Judiciary
• The judiciary consists of a system of courts and it is the branch of government that
interprets and applies the laws enacted by the executive and the legislature.
• The judiciary sees that laws are applied equally and fairly to all citizens of the country.
• The laws of a country are intended to regulate the actions and behavior of individuals and
organizations.
• There exists two (2) types of laws and therefore cases. These are civil laws and criminal laws
(and cases).
• Civil laws are to protect the rights of two (2) individuals amongst themselves, whereas
criminals laws are to protect the rights in relation to the state.
• Compensation are given for damages in the case of civil matters. Sanctions in the form of
fines and/or imprisonment are given for criminal matters.
The Judiciary: The Court System
The Role of the Police
 The Executive
• The executive branch of government, sometimes called the administration, has the
power and authority to administer all the business of government.
• The ultimate decision making body within the executive is the Cabinet.
• The cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister chooses the other
ministers and they are appointed by the head of state.
• Cabinet holds regular meetings at which policies are proposed and discussed. The
cabinet follows the principle of collective responsibility.
• Cabinet has to obtain the approval of Parliament before a cabinet policy can be
implemented.
 Functions of Government
• Raise revenue through direct and indirect taxation
• Provide social services: welfare, education, health, public utilities
• Manage the finances of the country (budgeting)
• Maintain law and order
• Create employment opportunities
• Maintain international relations
• Defend the nation state.
 Exam for Mrs. Clyne
1. (a) Give two (2) similarities of the Republic and Independence System of
Government. (6 marks)
(b) Give one (1) difference between the Republic and the Independence System
of Government. (2 marks)
(c) (i) Suggest to the government of your country three (3) ways in which they
can forge the relationship between citizens and the government.
(6 marks)
(ii) Explain why EACH of the ways would work. (6 marks)
 Exam for Mr. Blache
1. “For a country to prosper the government and the citizens
must work hand in hand.”
a. Explain what this statement means. (4 marks)
b. (i)Suggest, giving full details, THREE strategies that government may use to
build a positive relationship with citizens. (6 marks)
(ii) Explain fully why EACH strategy suggested in b. (i) above, is likely to be
successful. (6 marks)