Basic Concepts of Government

Meaning of Government

Government refers to the body of persons and institutions that make, implement and enforce laws and policies for a state or society. It is also used to describe the process or system by which a state or organisation is administered and controlled.

Key Concepts

• State — a political community occupying a defined territory, with a population, government and sovereignty.
• Sovereignty — the supreme and final authority of the state, which may be internal (over its citizens) or external (independence from other states).
• Nation — a group of people bound together by common history, culture, language or ancestry, who see themselves as one people.
• Constitution — the body of rules and principles by which a state or organisation is governed.
• Legitimacy — the recognition and acceptance of a government's authority by the people it governs.

Organs of Government

• The Legislature — makes laws (e.g. the National Assembly in Nigeria).
• The Executive — implements and enforces laws (e.g. the President and cabinet).
• The Judiciary — interprets laws and settles disputes (e.g. the courts).

Why We Study Government

• To understand how political power is acquired, organised and exercised.
• To become informed and responsible citizens who can participate in civic life.
• To appreciate the rights and duties of citizens within a state.