Government ⇒ set of institutions by which society is ruled Many countries adopt democracy
- Means rule of the people ⇒ which refers to the ability of citizens to participate in political decision making (there are different types of democracy)
- Representative Democracy
- citizens elect representatives to form a government to make decisions on their behalf.
- Government in representative democracy ⇒does not have unlimited power to make decisions / carry out policies.
- it is required to act according to country’s constitution
→ in representative democracy ⇒ essential that elections are free and fair → free election is one in which all citizens are able to vote for the candidate of their choice → fair election is one in which all votes have equal power + counted accurately
- Eligible citizens can vote. Voting should not be difficult for any particular group of people
- citizens are free from intimidation and have access to reliable information
- citizens can stand for election as candidates. no candidates are unfairly prevented from running for office
- voting is free from fraud. Every eligible voter only votes once and ballots are counted accurately.
Functions of the Government
Roles of the Government
Maintain Law and Order Ensure Economic and Social Well Being of Citizens Promote and Protect a Country’s National Interests