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This is the complete lecture note for POL 103 Oganisation of government. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Series 1: The Three Organs of Government Series outline • Part 1.1 Legislature o 1.1.1 Definition and nature of the Legislature o 1.1.2 Functions of the Legislature o 1.1.3 Types of Legislatures (unicameral and bicameral) • Part 1.2 Executive o 1.2.1 Definition and nature of the Executive o 1.2.2 Functions of the Executive o 1.2.3 Structures of the Executive (single and plural executive systems) • Part 1.3 Judiciary o 1.3.1 Definition and nature of the Judiciary o 1.3.2 Functions of the Judiciary o 1.3.3 Independence of the Judiciary • Part 1.4 Interrelationship among the Three Organs o 1.4.1 Need for cooperation and balance o 1.4.2 Checks and balances in practice Introduction Every organised society requires a system of governance that ensures order, justice, and the protection of rights. At the heart of this system are the three organs of government, each with distinct responsibilities that collectively sustain political stability and democratic practice. By examining these organs, learners will appreciate how authority is distributed and exercised within a state, and why their proper functioning is essential to the survival of any political system. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, and to guide you in analysing their functions, structures, and interrelationships. We shall commence this Series by exploring the Legislature, focusing on its definition, functions, and types. Next, we will examine the Executive, considering its nature, functions, and structures. Following that, we will move on to the Judiciary, highlighting its functions and independence. Finally, we will wrap up by analysing the interrelationship among the three organs, emphasising the importance of cooperation and checks and balances.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the Legislature and explain its core functions, • SLO 1.2 distinguish between unicameral and bicameral legislatures, • SLO 1.3 define the Executive and explain its primary functions, • SLO 1.4 analyse the differences between single and plural executive systems, • SLO 1.5 define the Judiciary and explain its functions, • SLO 1.6 evaluate the importance of judicial independence, and • SLO 1.7 analyse the interrelationship among the three organs of government, with emphasis on checks and balances. 1.1 Legislature 1.1.1 Definition and nature of the legislature The Legislature is the organ of government responsible for making laws that regulate the conduct of individuals and institutions within a state. It represents the will of the people and provides a framework for governance. In democratic systems, the legislature is often elected by citizens, thereby serving as a direct link between the people and the government. The legislature is sometimes referred to as the parliament or assembly, depending on the country. Its authority is derived from the constitution, which outlines its powers, composition, and procedures. Fill in the blank: The organ of government responsible for making laws is called the __________.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing the legislature as one of the three organs of government Figure 1.1: Position of the legislature within the organs of government 1.1.2 Functions of the legislature The functions of the legislature extend beyond law-making. They include representation, oversight, and deliberation.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Law-making: The legislature drafts, debates, and passes laws that govern society. • Representation: Legislators act on behalf of their constituents, ensuring that diverse interests are considered in governance. • Oversight: The legislature monitors the activities of the executive, ensuring accountability and transparency. • Deliberation: It provides a forum for discussing national issues, policies, and priorities. Fill in the blank: One of the key functions of the legislature, apart from law-making, is __________. “functions of legislature parliament OER summary”
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1.3 Types of legislatures (unicameral and bicameral) Legislatures can be classified into two main types: unicameral and bicameral. • A unicameral legislature is a single-chamber assembly where all legislative responsibilities are carried out by one body. It is often considered simpler and less costly to operate. • A bicameral legislature consists of two chambers, usually an upper and a lower house. This system allows for checks within the legislature itself, as one chamber reviews the decisions of the other. Countries adopt either system based on historical, political, and social considerations. For example, smaller or more homogeneous states may prefer unicameralism, while larger or more diverse states often adopt bicameralism. Fill in the blank: A legislature with two chambers is called a __________ legislature.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Comparison of unicameral and bicameral legislatures Table 1.1: Differences between unicameral and bicameral legislatures Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which organ of government is responsible for making laws? 2. List two functions of the legislature apart from law-making. 3. What is the main difference between a unicameral and bicameral legislature? 4. Which type of legislature is more common in smaller states? 5. What term describes the legislature’s role in monitoring the executive?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2 Executive 1.2.1 Definition and nature of the executive The Executive is the organ of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws made by the legislature. It directs the day-to-day administration of the state and ensures that policies are carried out effectively. The executive is often headed by a president or prime minister, depending on the system of government, and it includes ministers, civil servants, and other officials who manage public affairs. The executive derives its authority from the constitution and operates within the limits of the law. Its effectiveness is crucial for maintaining order and delivering services to citizens. Fill in the blank: The organ of government that enforces laws and manages daily administration is called the __________.
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