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Civics Form Two Full Notes
Civics Form Two Full Notes
1.GOVERNMENT
A government is an organized body of persons who form the machinery of the state.
Is a system or an organization of ruling a county or a state.
It has set laws that are followed by citizens.
It is a body of persons running matters of state. The matters of state are being cared by three joined bodies
which are:
o Executive
o Legislature
o Judiciary
o All three joint bodies are called branches (organs) of the state authority.
Types of Governments in the world.
1. Republic: this type of government headed by a president who has executive powers. E.g. Tanzania.
2. Monarch: this type is under the king or queen, but it has the prime minister who oversees the daily
business of the government. E.g. U. K, Japan e.t.c.
3. Dictatorship: is headed by a single person or group of persons who come to power by force.
4. Federation: formed when the authority of government is divided into a central government and the
government of the units. E.g. U. S. A
5. Democratic: is the type of government which people choose their leaders and have a say in what the
government does. g. Tanzania.
6. Union: this type of government is formed when two or more independent states decide to join and form
a single government.
7. Dominion: it is led by prime minister but it still recognizes the British Queen as their head of state. E. g.
Canada.
Importance/ function of government
1. Maintain peace
2. Provide social services
3. Enforces laws
4. Promote national economy
5. Makes law
6. Maintain international relatives
7. Punish law breakers
8. Regulate international trade
CONSTITUTION
1. Is a system of basic laws by which a county is governed.
2. Are the basic principles which are accepted by the people of a certain society in order to guide them.
Types of constitutions
1. Written constitution
2. Unwritten constitution
1. Written constitution: is the one in which the fundamental principles and legal rules of the land have
been put down in written document. E.g. U.S.A
Advantages of written constitution:
1. Is simple, clear, precise and consistent.
2. It can be readily consulted in case of doubt and disputes
3. It is suitable for countries with fragile democracy.
Disadvantages of written constitution.
1. Some written constitution are so detailed hence not easy to understand
2. They tend to be rigid
3. Takes long time to amend it.
2. Unwritten constitution: the fundamental principles and legal rules of the land have not been put
down in a written form.
Advantages of unwritten constitution:
1. Easy to amend it
2. Is flexible and understandable to changing condition
Disadvantages of unwritten constitution:
1. It is easy to be manipulated by those in power to the disadvantage of the citizens
2. Not suitable for young nations.
The main pillars of constitution.
o Popular sovereignty
o Limited government
o Separation of power
o Checks and balances
o Judicial reviews
Importance of constitution
1. Describes the form of government
2. Describes the structure of government
3. Distributes power to the state organs
4. Shows the relationship between the government and the governed.
5. Shows the methods by which those who govern come into power.
6. Shows the rights and responsibilities of the citizen.
How national constitutions are made
They are made in special meetings. These meetings are sometimes referred to as:
1. Constituent assembles or constitutional conventions
2. National constitutional conference referendum
These meetings are usually composed of representatives elected by the people of a county. Sometimes
they are made up by members of the organizations, veteran politicians, religious leaders, head of
institutions who came together to negotiate and draft constitution.
Steps in making a democratic constitution.
For the democratic constitution to be made, the following have to be considered:
1. Characteristics of the population i.e. homogeneous or diverse
2. The economy tied to its geographic characteristics. E.g. agriculture etc.
3. The history that has shaped the nations aspirations
4. Whether neighboring nations are peaceful or at war, since they can’t be ignored.
How constitution is safeguarded
1. By taking oath office- the president for example has to swear that he/she will safeguard the
constitution.
2. By appointing officials who can be dismissed if one doesn’t not abide by the constitution.
3. By court trial to anyone found acting against the constitution and face appropriate action.
Constitutional process in Tanzania.
The first constitution of Tanganyika was written in 1961 under British supervision. Late J.K Nyerere
became a prime minister.
The second constitution was made on 9th December 1962. It was made Tanganyika government to have
final say in all matters foreign and domestic. The president became the head of state and government.
In Zanzibar the first constitution was launched on 10th December 1963. The Arab Sultan was made the
head of state.
On 12th January 1964, the Sultanate government was over thrown and Sheikh Abeid.A. Karume became
the president of Zanzibar.
On 26th April 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united and the United Republic of Tanzania was born.
Because of the union, a new intern constitution was launched in January 1965.
In 1965, the ruling political party (TANU) established one party state, the country’s constitution was
changed to give legal effects.
On 5th February 1977, CCM was born after dissolving TANU and ASP. Therefore the first permanent
In 1977, Zanzibar established the House of Representatives; therefore the constitution of Zanzibar was
formed.
For the case of Zanzibar, again in 1984, a new constitution came after resignation of AboudJumbe, in the
same year, the president’s term of office was reduced to 2.5 years.
On 1st July 1992, Tanzania reintroduced multiparty political system so the constitution was slightly
changed.
Other changes of constitution were made in 1994, when the president of Zanzibar ceased to be the vice
president of the United Republic of Tanzania, he just remained the president of Zanzibar.
Constitutional Amendments.
In Tanzania, constitutional amendments are done by the parliament of URT. The decision to amend or
not is reached by vote. In some developed countries the democratic constitution amendments are done
by a process called constitutional conference referendum. E.g. U.S.A, S. Africa, Germany.
Referendum.
Is a method of changing constitution through all the politically interested groups like religious
institutions, civics society, political parties, business community and judiciary meet, debate and vote for
changes.
The main provision of the constitution of Tanzania.
o Is on the United Republic of Tanzania(URT), it has 3 sections, the first states clearly that the URT is a
multiparty democratic state. It has two governments.
o Is about the executive of the URT i.e. Union government. This has 3 sections. Section one spells out the
power out, the power of the president and presidential election.
o Section two is on vice president, his/her power and responsibilities and section 3 is about prime minister
and cabinet.
Chapter 3
Is on the legislature it has several sections, one of them is about parliament powers and responsibilities;
another section is about members of parliament, their constituents and election.
Chapter 4
Is about Zanzibar revolutionary government.Revolutionary council and the house of the representative
of Zanzibar.
Chapter 5
It has several sections, one is about the high court of URT. Another one is on the employment of
magistrates and other officials in Tanzania mainland.
Chapter 6
Is about the parliament commission of inquiry and the leadership code. It has 2 sections; one is on the
permanent commission of inquiry and section two is on the secretarial of the leadership code.
Chapter 7
Have two sections about the finances of the two sections to be defined by the government of the URT.
Chapter 8
Is about the local government and their roles.
Chapter 9
Is about the armed forces.
Chapter 10
Is on general matter of the constitution.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government is the agent of central government which carries out functions within a specific area.
The central government has autonomy. They form essential link between the people and the central
government. It is for this reason and other that local government should be allowed to run their own
affairs without interference from central government.
REASONS OF ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
1. Linking the local community with the central government. The people make their needs known to the
central government through local government.
2. Making the best use of local resources e.g. food, water.
3. Promoting democracy, councilors, have to be elected after every 5 years. The residents of each local
government are to participate fully in electing the councilors.
4. Passing by laws, whose application varies with the environment. This means that some by laws which
apply in one district may be different from others.
FORMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Village government
2. District council
3. Town council
4. Municipal council
5. City council
1. Village Government
It is the smallest government unit. It is made up of the village’s assembly and village council. The adult
population in the village forms village assembly. The village council is the executive arms to the Village
assembly. It has the power to see day to day activities of the village.
2. District council
It has an area corresponding to that of government administrative district. The council is composed of:
1. Elected members, councilors
2. Members elected by the minister responsible for the local government
3. The members of parliament.
A district council is headed by the chairman who is assisted by the vice chairman.
3. Town council
Includes those of Songea, Njombe, Lindi and Bukoba. Each town council is composed of
1. Members elected from each ward within the town.
2. Members of the parliament representing the consistuency within the town.
3. National members of parliament residing in the town.
4. Five members appointed by the minister responsible for local government.
5. This council is headed by a chairman who holds office for a term of five years.
6. There is town director for each council. The town director is the secretary to the council but has no
voting rights to any council meetings. He is the chief executive.
4. Municipal council
Municipalities are towns which have a population of area 80,000 residents each. These include Dodoma,
Iringa, Moshi, Morogoro as the members. The council is headed by Mayor assisted by Deputy
Mayor. Both are elected by councilor’s director who is the chief executive and serves as secretary to the
council.
5. City council
The known cities in Tanzania are Dar Es Salaam, Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya and Arusha. However the
government has recently recognized some regions to be cities. Dar Es Salaam attained a city status in
1961 after Tanganyika independence.
Members of the city council consist of:
1. Elected members. One from each ward in a city
2. Members of parliament representing parliamentary consistence
3. National members of parliament residing in the city
4. Not more than six other members appointed by ministry responsible for local government. The city
council is headed by the mayor who is assisted by the deputy mayor. The chief executive of the city
council is the director.
REVENUE COLLECTION
Local authorities need funds with which to pay their employee and carry out the various services they
offer.
Local councils are empowered by the central government to raise revenue.
Various ways, depending to some extend on their status.
THE WAYS WHICH THE AUTHORITIES RAISE MONEY.
1. Charges the council services e.g. refund collection and water supply.
2. License fees- fees are charged for various license issued by the council.
3. Rents- councils charge rents for the use of council property. E.g. council houses, market stalls, sports
stadiums. t.c
4. Government grants- the central government gives grants to local authorities for general expenditure
and specific projects.
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
It is the national government. It is concerned with the daily activities in the country. The national
government works through 3 organs.
o Legislature
o Executive
o Judiciary
The functions of national government are carried out in 3 organs as mentioned above.
PARLIAMENT
Is the highest council of the country. The Tanzanian parliament is the national assembly. It is one of the
main branches of the government. The members of the parliament are the members of the national
assembly.
Types of parliament
There are 2 types of parliament all over the world.
1. Bicameral parliament
2. Unicameral parliament
1. Unicameral parliament:It consists of a single legislative chamber e.g. Tanzania
1. Bicameral parliament: it consists of two legislativechambers e.g. U.S.A or Britain
U.S.A – the senate and house of representative
Britain – House of lord and house of common
In Tanzania the president is not a member of national assembly but he is represented by the prime
minister. The president occasionallyaddresses the parliament.
STANDING COMMITTEES
The national assembly works through different standing committees. They are:
1. Steering committee
2. Financial and economic committee
3. Political affair committee
4. Public accounts
5. General purposes committee
6. Foreign affairs committee
7. Defence and security committee
8. Constitutional and legal affairs
THE JUDICIARY
It is one of the three principle organs of the state. It safeguards its people’s constitutional rights.
The main function of the judiciary:
1. To make sure that the rule of law is maintained
2. To ensure that justice is done to society therefore judges should be free to give justice.
3. To make sure that the parliament does not erect any law which contradicts the constitution.
4. To ensure that the executive part of the government does not violate the human rights. The judiciary is
headed by CHIEF JUSTICE who is appointed by the president.
Under the chief justice are JUDGES and MAGISTRATES. Whose duties are to see that the laws of land are
respected and the law breakers are punished.
THE APPOINTMENT
The principle judge and other judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal are appointed by the
president after consultation with the judicial service commission.
Below the high court judges are the various grades of magistrates. All magistrates are responsible to the
judicial service commission.
Judges are appointed; they cannot be dismissed from office unless they are unable to perform their
duties because of illness or misuse of office.
Therefore should be pruned by an INDEPENDENT COMMISSION OF JUDGES of another country
preferably to common wealth countries.
WHY?
This helps to guarantee the judges freedom from fear and intimidation which would impede the
independence of the courts proclaimed in the constitution.
COURT SYSTEMS IN TANZANIA
The judiciary is the collective name for the personal working in the legal system and the courts. The
officials in the judicial system include:
o Court clerks
o Magistrates
o Judges
State attorneys- who conduct state prosecutions and court assessors.
THE EXECUTIVE
The executive is made up of the Head of Government and the Cabinet Minister. The executive branch
puts law into practice through administration. The executive is made of three parts:
o The president- is a chief executive
o The cabinet – composed of ministers
o The civil service
Functions of executive
o To enforce law
Done by police to law breakers
o To defend the nation
Armed forces under Ministry of Defence
o To provide social services
Through other Ministries
o Regulate international dealings
Trades and diplomacy with other nations
MINISTERIAL LEVEL
The principle secretary of each ministry is the head of the ministry. He is assisted by:
o Commissioners
o Directors of department
o Heads of sections
Each department has its own organised body of trained workers.
INTERNAL SOURCES
LOTTERIES
FRIENDLY COUNTRIES
LOAN
EXTERNAL
SOURCES
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
VAT
EXCISE DUTY
CUSTOMES DUTY
CORPORATION TAX
PERSONAL TAX
INCOME TAX
INDIRECT
DIRECT
PROVIDENT FUNDS
FEES
RENT
LEASE
TAXES
INTERNAL LOANS & LOTTERIES
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
GOVERNMENT REVENUE
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
FRIENDLY COUNTRIES
GRANTS
4. GRANTS
These are external source of government revenue. They are non- payable money given to the country
by foreign governments.
5. CHARGES FROM PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
The government obtains revenue by charging users for provision of services like water, electricity and
medical treatment.
6. LICENCES
Is when the government obtains income through selling licences to various individuals and companies
for different activities from government departments.
7. PROFIT FROM PARASTATALS
The government own some parastatals fully while in others the government holds the majority
shares. As a result, the government receives a large share of the profits made by the parastatals.
2.DEMOCRACY
Democracy is originated from a Greek word i.e. DEMO means people, CRATE means power. Therefore it
means PEOPLE’S POWER.
It is the system of government and leadership in which the supreme power belongs to the people.
Types of democracy:
There are 2 types of democracy
1. Direct democracy (Pure)
2. Indirect democracy (Representative)
1. Direct democracy: it is the type of government whereby every free citizen participates in the discussion
regarding their affairs. It is possible in small population.
Characteristics of direct democracy:
o Allows highest level of participation
o It works in a community where citizens have a consensual view of their goal
o It is possible in societies with enough freedom to their decision
o It is possible in societies relative homogeneity among its members e.g. cultures, values etc.
1. Indirect democracy: it is a type of democracy where by different groups elects a person to represent
them and given power to decide on their behalf.
It has its origins in Europe during the formation of capitation.
Characteristics of indirect democracy:
o Citizens rule through their elected leaders
o Elected leaders are installed and removed through constitutionally and periodically organised elections.
o All adult citizens have rights to vote or be voted
o Citizens have freedom of speech, opinions provided that they abide by rules of the land
o There is separation of powers
Importance of democracy
o People can choose their leaders
o Citizens participate in making decisions
o Allows high degree of tolerance
o Allows freedom of criticism and transparency
o Citizens participate in different community activities.
Disadvantages of democracy
o It is noisy
o It takes too long to make decisions
o Sometimes the better candidate may not win due to competition
Elements of representative democracy
1. Constitution
2. Separation of powers
3. Rule of law
4. Multiparty system
5. A bill of human rights
6. Transparency
7. Accountability
8. Free and fair elections
9. The process of voting should be peaceful
10. Control of abuse of power
11. Political tolerance
DICTATORSHIP
Is the form of government in which all powers rest in and is exercised by a single person or group of
people.
Types of Dictatorship:
1. Fascism: is the one where the political party is headed by the dictator, who holds all the powers
2. Aristocracy: the one where few persons form and control the government.
3. Authoritarianism: is where the government seeks no consent of the people.
4. Totalitarian: where government controls all the activities of the people.
Characteristics of Dictatorship:
1. They are the source of authority, laws and justice
2. They employ police, army, preventive, detentions and prisons as a control organ of administration.
3. They usually seize political power of the state by use of force
4. They usually abuse their power
5. They are responsible to no one and there is no rule of law
DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS
Election is the process by which people vote for the candidate of their choice. A political election or
democratic election gives people a chance to vote and decide who will lead them in future.
Election is said to be democratic, if they are held in an atmosphere where participants are tolerated and
willing to listen to the political views of the opponents.
OR
Democratic election is the election in which electoral law and rules are fair and equal for all contestants.
Presidential candidates
o Citizen of Tanzania
o Adult not less than 40 years
o Member of political parties
o There is a minimum standard
o Person who proves his ability to lead the country democratically
o Mentally fit
ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
It is a series of activities to win votes for a certain candidate, party or proposal. In Tanzania, candidates
are members of the political parties.
Campaign activities
1. Parties choose their candidate and help them by providing publicity
2. National leaders of each party makes speeches and policy documents
3. Local branches of each party have campaign committees
4. Volunteers distribute leaflets, prepare meetings and help call people for support
5. Use of T.V and radio for campaigning
6. On election days, voting is supervised by officials
Parliament and Presidential Elections
o Are known as general elections. In Tanzania general elections are done after 5 years
o For this election, one is decided a winner by simple majority votes
o Elections are held to fill parliamentary seats which become vacant between general elections
FUNCTIONS OF N.E.C
1. Organise and supervise election of president, MPs and local authorities.
2. Settle complaints
3. Setup electoral procedures and supervisors
4. Register political parties
5. Supervise implementation of law
6. Receive and audit annual account of political parties.
3.GENDER
Is a social identity which refers to a person.State of being either a feminine or a masculine.
Gender relation
Are social relationships between men and women and the interaction that takes place between them
within a particular social or cultural context.
Gender relations in any society influence the way male and female behave towards each other. It also
helps to explain the differences between man and woman, the roles they play and why they do so.
Gender roles:
o Are formed by men and women in the society
o Are influenced by time, geographical location, and development level
o Are contextual and cultural specific andcannot be generalized
Types of gender roles:
1. Women- production and reproduction includes child bearing, cooking, cleaning and food production.
2. Men- production and reproduction includes hunting, protecting family, looking after cattle, building
houses and food production.
Gender discrimination
Implies treating women unequally from men based on their gender e.g. refusing a qualified female
engineer to supervise bridge construction simply because she is a woman.
Gender equality
o Is part of human equality to UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW)
o Refers to equal sharing of power and goods, resources between men and women in the society
o Also equal participation in production distribution, services, right to own and control property.
o Equal access to protection, healthcare, education, employment.
Sex
State of being male or female. It’s to great extent permanent universal and biological determination
female or male.
Gender issues
Culture of people of Tanzania has a meaning only if reality of today and can help in construction of
Tanzanians of tomorrow. The report of the 4th world conference on women in Beijing highlighted the
following areas of concern arising from cultural trends in Tanzania.
Gender disparity
1. Majority of the girls and women are semi-literate, most parents don’t want to invest girls in education.
2. Most women are poor because of economic policies have not been in favour also economic planning is
gender blind.
3. Cultural belief- women are readily affected by cultural belief in witchcraft, poor nutrition and ignorance
about healthcare.
4. Polygamy- this is also affecting women, polygamy which isn’t only among muslims but also Christians.
5. Marriage- women are also affected by forced marriage of both women and girls.
6. Teaching of initiation- it very often urges girls to be subservient to their future husbands.
Social-cultural practices that hinder equality between men and women in the society
1. Payment of dowry/bride price
Dowry reduces women to the status of property. The higher the bride price, the more the woman’s
value. Some women are treated as slaves because of low dowry.
2.Lack of education
In some societies parents are reluctant to send their daughters to school. The assumption is that the
girls are bound to be married sooner or later.
3.Basic customary laws
In most ethnic groups, women are regarded as inferior partners of men, which leads to denial of many
basic rights to women.
4.Poor and insufficient diet
In some societies women are restricted to eat some food especially when they are pregnant. This leads
to malnourishment or undernourished women.
5.Excessive work
Most women work for at least 14 to 16 hours; they work for longer hours than men and engage in
various activities.
6.Acceptance of the status of quo
Most women in our society have accepted their position of staying at home and want their husbands to
bring everything so they regard themselves as junior partners.
7.Social expectation
Societies expect women to have children. Bearing many children tends to weaken mothers.
1. Violence
2. Drug Abuse
3. Conflict
4. HIV/ AIDS
5. Poverty
6. In adequate health care
7. Corruption
8. Poor housing
9. In adequate clean and safe water
10. In adequate health care
1. Initiating mediation.
Mediation is the process of trying to end a disagreement between people or groups by talking to
them and helping them find a suitable for all those involved.
The one who initiating mediation is known as the Mediator.
ii) Gathering information.
The mediator trying to find the root causes of the problem by asking questions.
iii) Define the problem
At this stage the disagreement is explained in order to know the problem. Knowing a problem is
an important stage in solving the problem,Therefore it is advised that the mediator has to clearly
understand and define the root cause of the problem .
iv) Generating alternatives.
This is a stage of coming up with many solutions to the problem.
v) Agreeing to a solution.
It is the stage of choosing the best alternative to solve the problem.
vi) Following through to see that the plan is carried outs.
This is the stage of implementing and testing the solution to see if it works.
4. IMPORTANCE OF APPLYING PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUE
Applying problem solving technique in difficult facing society help to.
1.) Bring a peace by resolving conflict between tribesmen of the community.
2.) Raise the living standard of the society. E.g. improving housing health services.
3) Ensure fairly treatment of all members of the community’
4) Put stop to vices such as drug abuse, child labour and prostitution
5) Protect the environment e.g. By recycling plastic containers instead of throwing them a away
or burning them