Citizenship II: Functions of Government – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

The government 

A government is a system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It also means exercising control over society through an ordered rule. At the same time, the government is a set of institutions and concerns a body of actors, which define how and to what extent the public affairs within society are shaped and directed.

Government regulate the relationships among members of a society and between the society and outsiders and they have the authority to make decisions for the society to meet goals and maintain order.

Functions of government

1. Law Making
2. Military defence of the country
3. Provision of employment
4. Maintenance of law and order
5. Promotion of economic growth and development
6. Maintaining good relations with other sovereign states or countries (foreign diplomacy)
7. Protection of civil liberties
8. Protection of lives and properties
9. Administration of justice
10. Formulation and implementation of policies
11. Provision of social-welfare service