By Mrs. Brown

Grade 9

Is government necessary?

Government is a necessity to man.

It is necessary to regulate economy, provide for military, establish law and order, and provide public services; without it, a country would be in chaos.

A government is necessary for the existence of peace.

The functions of government The functions of government covers citizen's

life, both social and physical.

The chief function of any government is to ensure the protection of life, liberty and property, together with all other functions that are necessary to the civic organization of society, functions which are not optional.

There are other functions which are undertaken to make possible the advancing of the general interests of society.

1. The Legislature

function

Makes and repeals laws

Made up of Parliament

The senate and the House of Representatives

2. The Executive

Function done by the executive body

Sets policy and decide on the goals for the nation

Cabinet members selected by the prime minister

3. The Judiciary

function

Enforces and interprets the law

The court system with its judges and lawyers etc.

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions

1. Manage the finances of the country (Budgeting)

-Draw up a plan or budget to show how revenue will be raised and how it will be spent.

-Make policies to control how the citizens spend their money.

2. Raise revenue Impose/collect taxes -Income (direct taxation)-Property, goods and services (indirect taxation)

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions

3. Provision of social services, such as education, welfare and health care.

-Provide welfare payment such as grants to the poor.

-Provide social security such as national insurance, unemployment benefits, pensions.

-Provide sanitation, health care and education.

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions

4. Maintain law and order

- Make laws for order and peace in society.

-Maintain courts to settle disputes and punish wrong doers.

-Employ police to protect citizens and their property and also to enforce the law.

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions5. Create Employment Opportunities

- directly by civil service and statuary corporations.

-indirectly by providing the investments conditions for private enterprises to create jobs.

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions6. Maintain international relations

-Exchange ambassadors with other countries.

-Make agreement with other countries for cooperation in many areas. (bi and multi-lateral)

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions

7. Defend the nation state

- Maintain an army to defend the country against external aggression.

8. Provide infrastructure (including public utilities)

-Build roads, harbours, airports, industrial estates, schools and hospitals.

-Install water mains.

Other FunctionsFunctions Descriptions

4. Maintain law and order

- Make laws for order and peace in society.

-Maintain courts to settle disputes and punish wrong doers.

-Employ police to protect citizens and their property and also to enforce the law.

Why do citizens expect Government to provide

social services?