Good Government for Nigeria
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INTRODUCTION
Various countries over the years have evolved from one social and political structure to another over the years and this has helped regulate activities in the international and local governments preventing disorder to a large extent. This basically rests on the organization and system of governments being practiced and implemented in such nations. In this respect its important to understand the concept of organization and system of government.
Basically, According to Wikipedia, An organization (or organisation) is a social entity that has a collective goal and is linked to an external environment. It also refers to a compartment for a particular task. While a system refers to a set of principles or procedures according to which a society is politically organized and governed.
SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT
According to the world fact book, there are 31 systems of governments in the world. Irrespective of these systems, there are major systems that are currently viable in the world and for the purpose of this research, I would be focusing on the major systems of government and they are:
Presidential system of government.
Parliamentary system of government.
Unitary system of government.
Confederal system of government.
Federal system of government.
Military rule.
Communist system of government.
PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
A presidential system is a system of government in which most executive powers is vested in the president who is very powerful and is also the head of state and head of government. The president in this system leads the executive branch which is independent of the legislature. The president directs the administrative affairs of the country, and usually oversees foreign relations. Unlike a dictator, he does not possess authoritative powers but he is subject to the laws of the nation which he is elected to preside over the country.
The presidential system of government encompasses diversity of characteristics which differentiates it from various systems of government and they include the fact that:
The president is both the ceremonial head and the executive head of state. This simply means that the president enforces all the laws, appoints various political holders under him, pardon or commute sentences of convicted criminals, serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces ,etc.
The president is elected by the electorate either directly or indirectly depending on the voting system being used in the country. He is either elected by the people in a general election or an electoral college.
It is important to note that in this system, the president is expected to rule for a fixed term of office regarding composition of the constitution being imposed in the country.
Members of the executive are appointed by the president and are answerable to him rather than to the legislature and as such, the president can sack or reshuffle their portfolio without seeking approval from the legislature.
The president can only be removed from office by the procedures stated in the constitution.
There is separation of powers because the judiciary, legislature and executive are independent of each other and also perform the functions of checks and balances on each other.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
It leads to stability of government and a state government cannot refuse to carry out the decision of the federal government in so far as it is in accordance with the constitution.
It also houses a bicameral legislature and allows a strong president to achieve his aims and objectives.
DISADVANTAGES OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
This system is very expensive to operate and lobbying as a feature of the presidential system may lead to corruption.
Also president may not be responsive to public opinion and the electorate may have to manage an ineffective president and the president in turn is difficult remove from office except through impeachment because so much power is conferred on the president. This may lead to abuse or dictatorship.
PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
This is also known as a cabinet system or a party government or Westminster model. This is a system of government in which the party that wins the largest majority seat in the parliament forms the government and the leader of the party is called upon to form the government. Examples of countries practicing this include Britain, Canada, Italy, Israel, e.t.c
BASIC FEATURES OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
There is in operation the principle of individual and collective responsibility. This means that an individual co ordinates the activities of his ministry and if a policy of government is attacked, everyone is attacked.
In this system, the head of state is different from the head of government. The head is a titular or ceremonial leader and performs basically ceremonial functions and his influence in this system is small while the prime minister is the head of government and he is the primus interpares i.e first among the equals.
Both the prime minister and his cabinet are selected from the parliament and they are responsible and accountable to the parliament leading to what is called fusion of powers because the members of the executive are also members of the parliament.
The legislature is either unicameral or bicameral depending on the nation
ADVANTAGES OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
The government is simple and easy to understand and operate and the system is generally open and responsive to public opinion and the cost of running it is relatively low.
It ensures accountability and the monarch may use his power to sort out differences.
DISADVANTAGES OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
The system promotes division and atomization of the society and there is too much emphasis on party politics which keeps other matters from being thoroughly assessed which makes it difficult to practise this system, in a highly heterogeneous society where political parties tend to mirror the divisions and society consciousness.