Arms of Government | Jamb Government

The Legislature

1. The legislature is the law-making body of government.
2. It is responsible for debating, drafting, and passing laws that govern a country or state.
3. Legislatures exist at national, state, and local levels.
4. It serves as a check on executive power through oversight and accountability mechanisms.
5. The structure and powers of the legislature vary depending on the system of government (e.g., presidential or parliamentary).
6. In democratic systems, members of the legislature are elected by citizens through periodic elections.
   
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Types of Legislature

7. The two main types of legislature are unicameral and bicameral legislatures.
8. A unicameral legislature consists of a single chamber or house that enacts laws.
9. A bicameral legislature has two chambers, typically called the upper house (Senate) and the lower house (House of Representatives or National Assembly).
10. Countries like China and Sweden have unicameral legislatures, while the United States, Nigeria, and India have bicameral legislatures.
11. Bicameral legislatures help provide checks and balances by requiring approval from both chambers before passing laws.
12. Unicameral legislatures are considered more efficient, while bicameral legislatures provide broader representation and debate.
    
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Structure of the Legislature

13. The legislature is usually divided into two or more houses (bicameral) or a single chamber (unicameral).
14. In a bicameral system, the lower house represents the general population, while the upper house represents specific regions or interests.
15. The presiding officers (e.g., Speaker of the House, Senate President) lead legislative sessions and maintain order.
16. Committees play a vital role in reviewing bills, conducting hearings, and overseeing government agencies.
17. Legislators may be directly elected, appointed, or hold positions through hereditary succession, depending on the system.
18. Legislative sessions occur at regular intervals, with some systems allowing for special emergency sessions when needed.
    
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Functions of the Legislature

19. Law-making – The legislature enacts, amends, and repeals laws governing society.
20. Representation – Legislators act on behalf of the interests of their constituents.
21. Oversight and accountability – The legislature monitors the actions of the executive branch and public officials.
22. Budget approval – The legislature reviews and approves the government’s budget and expenditures.
23. Treaty ratification – Some legislatures have the power to approve international agreements and treaties.
24. Amendment of the constitution – In many countries, the legislature plays a role in constitutional amendments.
    
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Powers of the Legislature

25. Legislative power – The authority to make and change laws.
26. Financial power – Control over government spending, taxation, and allocation of funds.
27. Impeachment power – The ability to remove a sitting executive (e.g., president or governor) for misconduct.
28. Approval of appointments – In some systems, legislatures confirm executive appointments (e.g., ministers, judges).
29. Investigative power – Legislatures can conduct inquiries into government operations and public policies.
30. Declaring war – In certain countries, only the legislature has the authority to approve military actions.
    
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The Executive

31. The executive is the branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.
32. It is headed by a president, prime minister, monarch, or governor, depending on the system.
33. The executive ensures the smooth administration of government policies and programs.
34. It is responsible for national security, foreign relations, and maintaining law and order.
35. The executive works closely with the legislature to propose and implement policies.
36. In some systems, the executive has veto power over legislative decisions.
    
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Types of Executives

37. Presidential executive – The president is both the head of state and government, as seen in the United States and Nigeria.
38. Parliamentary executive – The prime minister is the head of government, while a separate head of state (monarch or president) exists, as seen in the United Kingdom and Canada.
39. Collegial executive – Power is shared among multiple individuals, as in Switzerland.
40. Monarchical executive – A king or queen rules with varying degrees of power, seen in Saudi Arabia and the UK.
41. Military executive – The government is led by military officials, often through a coup, as in Myanmar and past governments in Nigeria.
42. Caretaker executive – A temporary government formed in times of transition, such as elections or emergencies.
    
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Structure of the Executive

43. The executive branch is headed by the president, prime minister, or monarch.
44. Ministers and cabinet members assist the executive leader in decision-making and administration.
45. The civil service ensures policies and laws are implemented at federal, state, and local levels.
46. The executive may include independent agencies that regulate industries and public services.
47. The military and security forces operate under the executive to maintain national defense.
48. Decentralized agencies such as governors and mayors implement policies at local levels.
    
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Functions of the Executive

49. Implementation of laws – The executive ensures laws passed by the legislature are enforced.
50. Policy-making – It formulates and executes policies to govern the country.
51. Foreign relations – The executive represents the country in diplomatic matters.
52. Law enforcement – It maintains internal security through the police and armed forces.
53. Public service management – The executive oversees government agencies, ministries, and civil servants.
54. Emergency response – It can declare states of emergency and take necessary actions during crises.
    
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Powers of the Executive

55. Veto power – The executive can reject or approve legislative bills.
56. Appointment power – The executive appoints key officials, such as ministers and judges.
57. Military command – The head of state often serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
58. Pardoning power – The executive can grant pardons to individuals convicted of crimes.
59. Budget proposal power – The executive proposes financial plans for national and state budgets.
60. Emergency powers – In times of war or crisis, the executive may assume special powers to ensure stability.
    
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The Judiciary

1. The judiciary is the branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying the law.
2. It ensures justice, fairness, and protection of individual rights in society.
3. Judges and courts operate independently to uphold the rule of law and prevent government overreach.
4. The judiciary provides legal resolutions for disputes between individuals, organizations, and the government.
5. It acts as a check on the executive and legislative branches by reviewing laws and executive actions for constitutionality.
   
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Types of Judiciary

6. Independent Judiciary – Judges operate free from political influence or external pressure, ensuring fairness in rulings.
7. Subordinate Judiciary – These are lower courts that function under the authority of higher courts in a legal system.
8. Federal Judiciary – In federal systems (e.g., the USA and Nigeria), courts are divided into federal and state courts, each with specific jurisdictions.
9. Unitary Judiciary – In unitary states (e.g., the UK), there is a single, centralized judicial system without separate state courts.
10. Military Judiciary – Special military courts handle cases involving members of the armed forces and military law.
    
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Structure of the Judiciary

11. The judiciary is structured into different levels, usually comprising lower courts, appellate courts, and a supreme court.
12. Lower courts (trial courts) handle minor civil and criminal cases at the grassroots level.
13. Appellate courts review cases from lower courts to ensure justice was fairly served.
14. The Supreme Court or Constitutional Court serves as the highest court, ruling on constitutional matters and final appeals.
15. Special courts, such as family courts, commercial courts, and election tribunals, handle specific types of legal issues.
    
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Functions of the Judiciary

16. Interpretation of laws – Judges clarify legal provisions and apply them to specific cases.
17. Protection of rights – Courts safeguard fundamental human rights against abuse.
18. Judicial review – The judiciary can assess laws and executive actions to determine their constitutionality.
19. Resolution of disputes – Courts mediate conflicts between individuals, organizations, and government bodies.
20. Punishment and correction – The judiciary ensures offenders receive appropriate legal consequences.
    
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Powers of the Judiciary

21. Judicial review power – Courts can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional and void.
22. Power of interpretation – Judges determine the meaning and application of laws in legal proceedings.
23. Contempt of court power – Courts can penalize individuals who obstruct justice or disrespect court orders.
24. Power to issue writs – Courts can direct individuals or authorities to act lawfully (e.g., habeas corpus, mandamus).
25. Sentencing power – Courts impose punishments, fines, or corrective measures on convicted individuals.
    
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The Interrelationship Between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary

26. The separation of powers ensures that the executive, legislature, and judiciary function independently while maintaining checks and balances.
27. The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judiciary interprets them.
28. The judiciary reviews laws passed by the legislature and executive actions to ensure they conform to the constitution.
29. The executive appoints judges, but the legislature may confirm or reject these appointments.
30. While the judiciary remains independent, it relies on the executive to enforce court rulings and judicial decisions.

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