Organs of Government: Functions and Powers of Executive

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I. Introduction

Teacher will review previous lessons on the Legislative as an organ of government by asking students the following questions:

1. What is the meaning of legislature?
2. What are the types of legislature?
3. What are the functions of the legislature?
4. Why is the legislature important in a democratic system?

II. Meaning of Executive

The executive is the organ of government responsible for enforcing laws and policies. It is headed by the President (Country) or Governor (regional/state), who is assisted by ministers, commissioners, and other officials.

The executive plays a major role in ensuring good governance, protecting the rights of citizens, and promoting the common good.

The executive is composed of elected and appointed officials who work together to enforce laws and policies. E.g., President, Governor, Ministers, Commissioners etc.

(Teacher play a short video-clip on functions of the executive, lead class discussions on the meaning of the executive, its basic responsibilities and composition)

III. Types of Executive

There are two main types of executive:

1. Presidential system, and;
2. Parliamentary system

The type of executive adopted by a country or state depends on its political system, history, people, and cultural context.

• Presidential System: A presidential system is a system of government where the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. E.g., USA and Nigeria
• Parliamentary System: A parliamentary system, on the other hand, is a system of government where the President or Prime Minister serves as the head of government, but not the head of state. E.g., UK and Canada

(Teacher uses diagrams to illustrate the structure of different types of executive)

IV. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA’s)

MDA’s refer to the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that make up the executive arm of government. MDA’s are unofficially referred to as the hands and fingers of government or the executive.

MDA’s are bodies setup by the government and are responsible for implementing government policies and programs.

• Ministries: Ministries are the main government departments responsible for implementing policies and programs in specific areas. E.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture etc.
• Departments: Departments are sub-units within ministries that focus on specific areas. E.g., Department of Education within the Ministry of Education.
• Agencies: Agencies are specialised organisations that operate under the supervision of a ministry or department. E.g., National Bureau of Statistics, Federal Road Safety Corps

(Teacher uses diagrams to illustrate and explain the structure of MDA’s)

V. Functions of Executive

The executive performs several essential functions to ensure good governance. These functions include:

1. Law Enforcement: which involves enforcing laws and policies.
2. Policy Implementation: it involves implementing policies and programs.
3. Diplomacy: involves representing the country or state in international relations.
4. Appointment of Officials: it involves appointing officials to various positions.
5. Budgeting: involves preparing and implementing the budget.
6. National Security: involves ensuring the security and safety of citizens.
7. Infrastructure Development: it involves developing and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings.
8. Social Welfare: it involves providing social services such as healthcare, education, and social security.

(Teacher leads students on an excursion to the State Secretariat to observe the executive organ in action)

VI. Strengths and Weaknesses of The Executive Organ:

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the executive organ is essential to evaluating its effectiveness.

Strengths of The Executive:

1. Efficiency: The executive organ is able to make quick decisions and take action.
2. Effectiveness: The executive organ is able to implement policies and programs effectively.
3. Accountability: The executive organ is accountable to the legislature and the people.
4. Stability: The executive organ provides stability and continuity in government.
5. Leadership: The executive organ provides leadership and direction to the country or state.

Weaknesses of The Executive:

1. Authoritarianism: The executive organ can become authoritarian and ignore the rights of citizens.
2. Inefficiency: The executive organ can be inefficient and slow in making decisions.
3. Corruption: The executive organ can be corrupt and abuse its power.
4. Lack of Transparency: The executive organ can lack transparency and accountability.
5. Abuse of Power: The executive organ can abuse its power and violate the rights of citizens.

(Teacher creates two online (preferably, WhatsApp) discussion groups; one — to analyze the strengths of the executive organ, and the other — to analyze the weaknesses of the executive organ)

EVALUATION: Teacher will ask students the following questions:

1. Define the concept of the executive.
2. Name the 2 types of executive.
3. Mention and explain the functions of the executive.
4. List the strengths and weaknesses of the executive organ.
5. Why is the Executive an important organ of government in a democracy?
6. What are the roles of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA’s) in the executive arm of government?

• Students will also be evaluated through online quiz or class simulations demonstrating the executive process in action.
• Participation in class discussions will also be assessed.

SUMMARY: Teacher will briefly revise the lesson’s main points and encourage students to ask questions and provide clarifications as appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Teacher will guide students to copy and complete lesson notes as may be required, mark complete notes and introduce the next lesson.

ASSIGNMENT/PROJECT:

1. Write a short essay on the importance of the executive organ in a democratic system., or;
2. Write a brief group-report on excursion to the State Secretariat.

SUGGESTED TEXTBOOKS FOR FURTHER READING:

1. “Government for Senior Secondary Schools” by E.O. Ojo and O.A. Oyedele
2. “A History of Government” by S.E. Finer

REMARKS:

1. Teacher should encourage students to participate in class/online discussions, online/class quiz, ask questions and conduct research.
2. Teacher should provide feedback to students on their performance in the presentations/group-report and suggest areas for improvement.

 

Author’s Note: Teacher should also ensure that students are able to analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the executive organ, and think critically about the implications of its functions for governance and democracy in Nigeria.

Learn more: Essential Functions Of The Organs Of Government (Answer Guide)