GOV • SHS 1Term 1WAEC / WASSCE SyllabusFree Trial Topic
Forms and Systems of Government
Unitary vs. federal systems, presidential vs. parliamentary systems, monarchy, republic, and military regimes.
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Real-World Context & Relevance in Ghana
Ghana operates a unitary presidential system under the 1992 Constitution with local assemblies under the Ministry of Local Government.
Key Syllabus Learning Objectives
- 1Contrast the distribution of power in a unitary system with that in a federal system
- 2Differentiate between presidential and parliamentary systems of government
- 3Examine the characteristics of a republican state
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Comprehensive Syllabus Study Notes
• Unitary vs. Federal Systems:
- Unitary System: All constitutional powers are concentrated in a single central government (e.g. Ghana, Britain, France). Sub-national units (regions, districts) derive their powers solely from the center.
- Federal System: Constitutional powers are divided between a central federal government and semi-autonomous constituent states/provinces (e.g. Nigeria, USA, Germany).
• Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems:
- Presidential System: Executive President is both Head of State and Head of Government, directly elected by the people, and independent of the Legislature; strict separation of powers (e.g. USA, Ghana).
- Parliamentary (Cabinet) System: Head of State (Monarch or ceremonial President) is distinct from the Head of Government (Prime Minister). Prime Minister is chosen from Parliament and collectively responsible to it (e.g. United Kingdom).
• Republican Government: A sovereign state ruled by elected representatives and an elected president, where political power is not inherited.
- Unitary vs. Federal Systems:
- Unitary System: All constitutional powers are concentrated in a single central government (e.g. Ghana, Britain, France). Sub-national units (regions, districts) derive their powers solely from the center.
- Federal System: Constitutional powers are divided between a central federal government and semi-autonomous constituent states/provinces (e.g. Nigeria, USA, Germany).
- Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems:
- Presidential System: Executive President is both Head of State and Head of Government, directly elected by the people, and independent of the Legislature; strict separation of powers (e.g. USA, Ghana).
- Parliamentary (Cabinet) System: Head of State (Monarch or ceremonial President) is distinct from the Head of Government (Prime Minister). Prime Minister is chosen from Parliament and collectively responsible to it (e.g. United Kingdom).
- Republican Government: A sovereign state ruled by elected representatives and an elected president, where political power is not inherited.
Practical Example:
Ghana operates a unitary presidential system under the 1992 Constitution with local assemblies under the Ministry of Local Government.
Core Takeaway:
Key contrast: In a presidential system, the president is NOT a member of parliament; in a parliamentary system, the prime minister MUST be an elected member of parliament.
WAEC / WASSCE Examiner Tips
- Key contrast: In a presidential system, the president is NOT a member of parliament; in a parliamentary system, the prime minister MUST be an elected member of parliament.
Common Candidate Pitfalls & Errors to Avoid
- Confusing a unitary state with a federal one and giving Ghana as an example of federalism.
- Calling a ceremonial president the head of government.
- Treating a republic and a democracy as the same word.
- Assuming every monarch rules, when most modern monarchs reign without governing.
- Believing a presidential system has no parliament.
Topic Mastery Checklist
- Contrast the distribution of power in a unitary system with that in a federal system
- Differentiate between presidential and parliamentary systems of government
- Examine the characteristics of a republican state
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