Representative Government & Popular Participation SS1 Government Lesson Note

Representative government can be defined as a government of elected representatives of the people. It is also referred to as indirect democracy. It exists when certain people are duly elected by popular vote to perform the functions of government on behalf of the people.

 FEATURES OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

1. Existence of free and fair elections.
2. Elections must be conducted regularly at the specified period.
3. Representative government is anchored on the rule of law.
4. Protection of individual liberty.

Independent electoral commission.

5. An independent judiciary.
6. Existence of choice of candidates.
7. Freedom of the press.
8. Responsiveness to public opinion.
9. Universal adult suffrage.

 CONDITIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

1. Adherence to the provision of the constitution and respect for the rule of law.
2. Adoption of a written constitution
3. The practice of a multi-party system.
4. Universal adult suffrage.
5. Independent and impartial judiciary.
6. Fundamental human rights should be entrenched in the constitution.
7. Respect for people’s opinions.

MERITS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

1. It ensures participation in governance by the people.
2. It makes for accountability on the part of political officeholders.
3. The system is simple to operate.
4. The government in place is legitimate and legally constituted.
5. The government is set up through the normal electoral process.
6. The administration is based on respect for the rule of law and obedience to the provision of the constitution by the elected political leaders.
7. There is a choice of leaders.

DEMERITS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

1. There is no true independence of the judiciary.
2. Rigging of elections.
3. Problem of illiteracy.
4. The representative may not adequately represent their people or community due to some selfish interest.
5. Corrupt practices among politicians.
6. It is too expensive to run.
7. Duplication of functions.
8. The general belief of the people is that politics is a dirty game.

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Political participation can be defined as the process whereby individuals get themselves involved in political activities and the decision-making of their country.

 FORMS OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

1. Voting in elections.
2. Holding of public offices.
3. Contesting election.
4. Supporting political parties.
5. Belonging to a political party.
6. Supporting candidates for elective posts.
7. Protest and demonstration.
8. Partial political participation.
9. Observatory political participation.

 THE PURPOSES OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

1. People participate in politics to contribute their quota in the decision-making process of the country
2. Failure of past government
3. To correct the ills of the society

Avenue for money-making

4. For respect and prestige purposes
5. As occupation
6. Management of the nation’s resources

 FACTORS AFFECTING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

1. Lack of trust in the government.
2. Fear of intimidation.
3. Apathy or lack of interest.
4. Ignorance or illiteracy.
5. Frequent removal of elected government.
6. Problem of poverty.

          ASSIGNMENT 

1. What are the factors necessary for the existence of a representative government?
2. Highlight 4 factors affecting political participation.
3. Mention 5 ways through which people participate in politics.
4. State 4 advantages of representative government.