PAD240

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO
GOVERNMENT
 OUTLINE OF THE TOPIC

1.0 Introduction of Government

1.1 Definitions of government
1.1.1 Importance of government
1.1.2 Characteristics of government
1.2 Forms of Government
1.2.1 Democracy
1.2.1.1 Presidential system of government
1.2.1.2Parliamentary of government
1.2.2Monarchy
1.2.2.1 Absolute Monarchy
1.2.2.2 Limited Monarchy
1.2.3Republic
1.2.4 Federal government
1.2.5Unitary government
 1.0 INTRODUCTION

• Government & politics is one of the components in

Political Science
• Government and politics is a subject that analyzes in
detail the forms of government, political parties, pressure
groups, judiciary body, legislative body, executive body,
voters and elections.
 GOVERNMENT & POLITIC

• Government in Latin and Greek means ‘ to shows or

to direct or to guide’.
• The responsibility of government - to administer the
society in the country.
• Hobbes “ The life of the society will be in complete
disorder without a definite body to administer them,”
• Aristotle, “ Government will ensure that life of the
society is systematic and harmony”.
 CONT…

• Government acts as a decision maker which plays the

following role;
• Make decision on who gets what, when and
why – refers to the distribution of the national
resources
• Resolve problems and conflicts in the society
• Motivate the society to perform task that
cannot be done by a single individual (inter-
agency, intra-agency)
 CONT…

 Government makes rules, regulate public policy and make

substantive decision. There are 3 types of decisions which are;
1. Rules & Regulations
 Method of making & implementing decision.
 E.g: Law that specific on who is legitimate to be given
power to hold certain position or who is qualified to vote in
the general election
2. Policy
 Refer to the decision made by government in order to
achieve certain objective.
 E.g. Foreign Affair Policies (relationship with other
countries)
3. Substantive Decision
 Refers to the actions taken by government
 1.1 DEFINITIONS OF GOVERNMENT

A.C. Kapur (2006: 83), defined government as having a

purpose for which people live together cannot be
realized unless they are properly organized and accept
certain rules of conduct. It also can be called as a
agency that created to enforce such rules of conduct
and to ensure obedience among the society.
C A Leeds define government as a body exclusively
exercise legitimate use of force in making regulations,
enforcing them within a given territorial area
A body of people that make and enforce law in society
(Austin Ranney)
 1.1.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF
GOVERNMENT

• As the agency created through which common policies

are determined, common affairs are regulated, and
common interests are promoted

• As the agency ( machinery) consisting the whole

network of local institutions, elected bodies, and
appointed officials charged with carrying out of policy
 1.1.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF
GOVERNMENT

• There are several characteristic of government:

1. Government is an institution or agency in controlled of a
certain territorial area;
2. Government is one part of the elements of the state;
3. Government is the purpose for which people live together
cannot be realized unless they are properly organized and
accept certain rules of conduct;
4. Government is required to ensure obedience among people
5. Government consists of people who run the executive,
legislative and judicial bodies of the state;
6. Government is an agency through which the state
determines and carries out its policies.
 1.2 FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

GOVERNMENT

PARLIAMENTA CONFEDERA
PRESIDENTIAL REPUBLIC UNITARY FEDERAL MONARCHY
RY L
SOUT
USA PHILIPPINES H SINGAPOR EU OLD GERMAN UNITED ARAB
INDONESIA KORE E BRUNEI QATAR
CONFEDERATION EMIRATES
A

UNITED KINGDOM MALAYSIA UNITED USA MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE
KINGDOM
 HISTORICAL STUDY ON THE FORMS
OF GOVERNMENT
 It started since human explore the knowledge on political science
 Based on A.C. Kapoor 1981, The early works to identify the structures and forms of government was
performed by Aristotle
 Aristotle categorized the forms of government by dividing into 3 basic forms ;
 Monarchy
 Aristocracy
 Mix Government
 His study also includes the Tyranny, oligarchy & democracy Government
 This traditional classification is based on two main principles ;
 1st Principle : If a certain ruler possesses sovereignty, his ruling is known as monarchy
 2nd Principle: If sovereignty existed belongs to a small group from the population, it is known as
aristocracy.
❖ However, if sovereignty held by large group in population – Known as Polity
 HISTORICAL STUDY ON THE FORMS
OF GOVERNMENT (CONT…)

• Aristotle differentiates the forms of government by classifying

them into two parts;
• Normal Government - is a government that rules based on laws
& justice. Ruling normally has the objective to increase
harmonization & peace in the country as well as to avoid
cruelty & coercion. Monarchy, Aristocracy & polity government
are forms of government which is normal.
• Abnormal Government – The abnormal form are tyranny,
oligarchy and democracy

• Aristotle = Monarchy is the best form of government,

whereas tyranny is the worst form of government.
 FIGURE 1: ARISTOTLE’S
CLASSIFICATION ON THE FORM
OF GOVERNMENT

GOVERNMENT
Forms Of
Government

Single Rule Monarchy Tyranny

Small Group Rule Aristocracy Oligarchy

Many-People Rule Polity Democracy

* Source: A.C. Kapoor (1981). Principles Of Political Science. New Delhi: 292
 HISTORICAL STUDY ON THE
FORMS OF GOVERNMENT (CONT…)
 Aristotle believes that democracy is a form of rule administer by a large group of people. – not too
good because – too many opinion & much conflicts
 Because too many weakness in Aristotle's theory, the Modern writes suggest 3 forms of government
– Aristocracy, Monarchy & Democracy Government – Used until the end of the World War II
 A French political Philosopher, Baron de Montesquieu classified government into 3 main;
 Republic - divided into many people or a few people
 Monarchy – Power is possess by an individual, it is still being controlled by the law people in
the society
 Despotic – Is the worst from of government, its is held by one individual
 Based of Blondel (1981), Montesquieu identified relationship between type of government & type
of society, economic stability, nationalism enthusiasm and education will outline the country’s form
of government.
 HISTORICAL STUDY ON THE
FORMS OF GOVERNMENT (CONT…)

Rousseau, divided forms of government into

 Monarchy
 Aristocracy
 Democracy
Kapoor (1981), Bluntschli agrees with the classification
done by Aristotle. But he add another class of
government which is ‘ Theocracy”.
“Theocracy” – it is a form of government in which the
supreme power is held by god or ideology or human
being that have super power.
Human with supernatural power – God’s Assistant
 1.2.1 DEMOCRACY
 Originated from the word Greek. It means ‘ People power’.
 Demos – ‘Citizens or humans’ & ‘Kratos’ – Power / the rule of the
people prevails to make the regime legitimate in the real sense.

Characteristic of Democracy Government:

1. Action based on demand – Be rational & be active in the nations
political matters , and after ascertaining the wishes of people.
2. Need Tolerance – decision made concerning on the nations
administrations & involves rules by majority.
3. Gives Appropriates Chances to individual to developed themselves.
4. Power to make political decisions is vested in all the people
5. Each adult citizen has the same opportunity as every other adult citizen
to participate in the decision-making process. “ One persons, one Vote”
.
 E.g: U.S, U.K., Canada, Malaysia, Bangladesh etc
 Similar with the Islamic Perspectives which are having shura =
consultations, bai’ah = affirmation of community loyalty, maslahah =
public interest, ikhtilaf = divergence of opinions and etc
 TWO TYPES OF DEMOCRACY
DIRECT DEMOCRACY
• Systems in which all citizens make policy & law
without intermediaries.
• Citizen have the right to voice their opinion &
demand, directly or indirectly on public
matters.
• The Athenian system is referred to as direct
democracy – all adult, male citizens (women,
slaves, foreigners, and free men under twenty
years of age) were permitted to play an
important part in the governance of the
community.
 CONT…
 3 features of direct democracy
a. Popular Participations
b. Majority Rule
c. Political Equality

 Characteristics:
i. The number of citizen must be small,
ii. Property and wealth must be distributed equally,
iii. The society must be culturally homogeneous
and
iv. Those who administer the laws must not be
allowed to function independently of the
popular will that made the laws in the first place.
 CONT…
INDIRECT DEMOCRACY

• Refers to the form of government in which the

citizen choose their representative to performs
national task on their behalf.
• Tasks includes regulating laws, improve people
safety & security, increase citizen standard of
living, preserved peaceful & harmony
environment within the country.
• People opinion & demand will be voice up to
the government through these representatives
( elected for the certain period / time)
 CONT…
Characteristics:
i. Citizens are at least one place removed from actual
decision making,
ii. Elected representatives stand in place of or act on
behalf of voters.
iii. Free competitive elections at all or most levels of
governments as a symbol of sovereignty of people
iv. Elections as an effective and efficient way of
organizing political succession.
 Shows that political freedom – defined as the right to
vote in a competitive election = representative
elections
 CONT…
 In order to make representative more accountable and to give
the citizen a direct say in passing laws – devised certain methods :
Initiative, Referendum and Recall

1. Referendum – elections in which voters are asked to decide

directly on an issue. Take place when a state legislature / the
President refers a question of public policy to its voters.
2. An Initiative – allows the citizens to propose legislative or
constitutional changes by filling a formal petition containing a
required number of signature.
3. Recall – method that allows voters to compel, through a petition,
a representative to resign or submit to re-election. E.g. it is a
political decide to remove an elected official from office. This
was the method used in Oct 2003 to remove the governor of
California from office.
❖ Indirect democracy is classify into two types: the presidential and
the parliamentary system of government
 1.2.1 PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM OF
GOVERNMENT

• If the executive & legislative is each an independent body &

able to control each other power, this system is ‘ Presidential
System’
• A presidential system is organized according to the principle
of separation of powers.
• Citizens usually directly vote the head of executive.
• In this system, the responsibilities of leadership are vested in
the President
• President acts as both the chief executive and head of
state.
• President usually elected for a fixed term & independent
from legislature.
 CONT…
• During the legislation of United States Constitutions,
Unity is an important issues.

• Therefore, they make decisions to form an executive

institution which is independent, strong and free from
other government institution control.
 The Presidential System hold by the principle of separate of power between legislative, judicial
and executive body.

1. Head of The State, –The President

2. President is the real executive and assisted by secretaries which power is according to what s
being written in the constitution
E.g. of country that practice Presidential System are United States, Philippine, Peru
3. There are 2 factors influence people who regulate & structure United State Constitution.
 1st they were interested in Doctrine Of Separation Of Power, suggested by Montesquieu.
This theory limit the government power so that the power can be controlled.

 2nd the regulator of the constitution felt that the cabinet system or parliament system can
be function well if the country has various political parties that are strong & tough in which
all people has own manifesto or programs. They think the various political parties available
will weaken the nation unity.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM

1. The executive is a president directly elected by the people

for a fixed term.
2. President is the head of government and the head of state.
3. The president appoints heads of departments who are
responsible to the president.
4. President cannot dissolve or coerce the assembly.
5. The assembly is ultimately supreme over the other branches
of government.
6. The system is based on the principle of separation of powers.
7. The executive is directly responsible to the electorate.
8. There is no focus of power in the political system.
 ADVANTAGES OF PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS
1. Create a stable executive within the framework of a
democratic order.
2. Unity of control, quickness in decision and concerted policy.
3. Appointment of experts to head of various departments of
the government without consideration of their party
affiliations.
5. President’s secretaries/cabinet ministers may exclusively
devote themselves to administrative work unaffected by
legislature/political exigencies.
6. Ensures stability.
7. Secures efficiency & effectiveness in administrative machine.
DISADVANTAGES OF PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM

1. Divide the government into watertight compartment.

2. Occasional deadlocks between the legislature (congress) and
executive (President & secretaries).
3. No coordination & cooperation between executive &
legislature.
4. Characterized to be “autocratic, irresponsible and
dangerous.”
5. Extreme rigidity as the system is not agreeable to changes.
EXAMPLE OF PRESIDENCY STRUCTURE
 1.2.1.2 PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
 Obvious differentiation – is the principles which correlate between the
executive & legislative body . If the executive & legislative body member’s are
among the same people, this system call ‘Parliamentary Government’.
 Parliamentary Government clearly separate between the power, role &
responsibilities of the head of the state & the head of the government
 The head of the State posses de jure power which is the legitimate or valid
power according the law
 According to the law The Head of State posses all power & special rights as
written in the constitution & laws.
 However, in reality, he is not permitted to perform those power. He is the
holder of the power.
 E.g. of nation that practice Parliamentary System are Britain, Japan, Malaysia
and India.
 THE PRIME MINISTER HAS FOUR (4)
RESPONSIBILITIES OR FUNCTIONS

1. Prime Minister lead the majority party in the parliament. The

Majority party means the party that won the general election
& further form the government to rule.

2. The Prime Minister is the Chief Of Legislative Body

3. He is the middle person between the Head Of State, The

Cabinet, The Legislative Body & The Country itself

4. He is the Chief of the legislative divisions for the political party.

He is responsible to maintain peace & harmony environment
among the political parties.
 CHARACTERISTIC OF PARLIAMENTARY
GOVERNMENT

 The role of Head Of State Is Nominal. The head of State does not give
order, does not administer & is not responsible to make decisions for the
administration & management process of the state
1. It is important to have a clear existence of party that posses the majority seats. This
party is responsible to allocate a stable administration mechanism under the
direction of the political leader.
2. Ministers in the Parliamentary System is responsible to the legislative body. Their
position as a ministry will maintain if they gain trust and support from the citizen in
every election. However, ministries & cabinet members can be dismiss from its
membership by the parliament member through ‘distrust vote towards
government’ .
3. One level of intermediary between political parties is needed. The cabinet system
is a democracy mechanism. In democracy rule, principles such persuasion through
peaceful approach, tolerance, justice to individuals, rational feedback from
citizens & public opinion must be given appropriate attention. It is important for the
party in rule to understand each other responsibility .

Parliament Courts
Cabinet
FEATURES/CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
1. The executive is divided into two: Real (efficient) &
Nominal (dignified) Executive.
 Nominal executives (possess and enjoys all executive
powers only in name. Acts as the head of the state.
 The Cabinet, headed by the PM, assumes and exercises
all real powers of the state).

2. The Head of State (monarch or president) appoints the

Head of Government.
 Majority Party Rule
 after the elections, the head of the State invites the
leader of the majority party in lower house of the
legislature to form the government.
 CONT…
3. The head of Govt. (Prime Minister or Premier) appoints the
ministry.
 Collective responsibility
 the cabinet (i.e., the ministers) is responsible to the lower
house of the Parliament. Once the cabinet takes a decision
on a particular issue, and then every minister should support
that policy both in and outside of the parliament.

4. The system is based on the principle of fusion of powers.

 Dual membership of the ministers
 they act as members both in legislature and executive.
 CONT...
5. Parliament is supreme over its constituent parts &
become the focus of power in the political system.

6. The Head of Govt. may advise the head of state to

dissolve parliament.

7. The govt. is a collective body and is responsible to

the assembly.

8. The govt. as a whole is only indirectly responsible to

the electorate.
ADVANTAGES OF PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEMS

1. Secures great utility to small & weak state without

losing its rights and sovereignty.
2. The federal state usually more stronger
economically, politically and socially.
3. Encourages local initiative.
4. Uniformity of regulations by the federal.
5. Prevent despotism of central government (federal).
DISADVANTAGES OF PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM

1. Exist “struggle of power” between central and state government.

2. Possibility of each state to protect its interests through unnecessary

amendment of law.

3. Expensive and complex form of government.

4. Danger of secessions/withdrawal.

5. May cause dissatisfaction especially to “stronger/richer’ state in the

federation.
 THE MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

YANG DI PERTUAN AGUNG

CONFERENCE OF RULERS

LEGISLATIVE EXECUTIVE JUDICIARY

PARLIAMENT CABINET SUPREME COURT

DEWAN NEGARA HIGH COURT

MINISTRY

DEWAN RAKYAT HIGH COURT BORNEO

DEPARTMENT
 COMPARATIVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PARLIAMENTARY & PRESIDENCY
FACTORS PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
(E.G.: MALAYSIA) (E.G.: UNITED STATES)

HEAD OF STATE AND GOV. YDPA as the Head of State President as the Head of State and Gov.
(AUTHORITY) PM as the Head of Gov.
APPOINTMENT/ TERMINATION •YDPA is elected amongst Rulers of the 9 Malay •President is directly elected by the people
States (ended upon end of 5-year-term) (Direct election)
•PM elected amongst the members of House of •Termination by senate (impeachment)
representatives
•Termination by vote of no confidence
GOV. BRANCHES/BODIES Legislative and Executive almost of the same Legislative and Executive are different (practicing
RELATIONSHIP people (fusion of power) separation of power), Independent Judiciary

COMPOSITION •Parliament: Senate (Dewan negara) Senate and House of Representatives

•House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)

CABINET MEMBERS •They are legislatures as well as head of the •They are not members of legislature
executive departments of the gov. •Do not belong to the legislative majority party
•Responsible for defining national policies and •They have no locus standi (ability) to initiate
run the administration policy
 1.2.2 MONARCHY
 Originated from Greek ‘monarkhia’ – means ‘ Single’ / ‘One’ / the rule of one
 monarchical form of government where the monarch exercises ultimate governing
authority as head of state and head of government, thus wielding political power over
the sovereign state and its subject peoples.

1.2.2.1 Absolute Monarchy

 Refer to the form of government where its political power is held by one supreme ruler.
 one of the oldest forms of government, with echoes in the leadership of tribal chiefs.
 Louis XIV of France expressed this idea in the famous phrase: “I am the state”, want he
really means was: “I am the Government and what I say goes”. This is absolute Monarchy.
 The absolute monarch’s authority is not legally bound or restricted by a constitution and
the absolute monarch exercises total power over the land and its subject peoples.
 E.g. Swaziland, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait etc.
1.2.2.1 ABSOLUTE MONARCHY (CONT…)

Advantages Disadvantages
1. Decision on the nation’s 1. People do not have much
administrations & welfare freedom of speech.
can be made & 2. It contradicts with the
implemented immediately. principle of sovereignty &
democracy.
2. Policies that can be
3. There is no control the
implemented within a monarch’s power. This can
given period of time, encourage coercion &
usually in a long-period of cruelty.
time.
3. Ruler has a lot of power &
stable position.
EXAMPLE OF ABSOLUTE
MONARCHY STRUCTURE
 Cont…
1.2.2.2 Limited Monarchy / Constitutional Monarchy

 Refer to the power to rule held by a ruler as the symbol of supremacy &
sovereignty
 Power by monarchy is limited by the constitution
 Monarch is head of state where the task & duties are being outlined in
constitution
 Monarch position as the head of the state – symbolic position
 Administration of the state is carried out by the Prime Minister
 Prime Minister is been elected during general election & he is leader of the
ruling party.
 Power posses by the monarch as the head of religion is maintained or
persevered. Monarch – act according to the advice from the Prime Minister
 1.2.2.2 LIMITED MONARCHY(CONT…)
Advantages of Limited Monarchy

1. Chief of Executive / Prime Minister has the credibility as a

leader as he being elected by the people.
2. Human rights is persevered as the people have the
opportunity to choose their own leader.
3. Justice is preserved & respected as this system can avoid
misuse of power & cruelty.
4. For example: Malaysia, Thailand, England
 1.2.3 REPUBLIC SYSTEM OF
GOVERNMENT

 The head of the state is an elected president rather than a

monarch
 The sovereign power is widely vested in the people either
directly or through elected representatives
 The people as a body or even a part of people, posses the
sovereign power
 The republic system and the democratic system are used
interchangeably, the former places emphasis upon the use
of representatives rather than direct action by the people.
 E.g: Republic of Singapore and Islamic Republic of Iran
EXAMPLE: REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE (PARLIAMENTARY REPUBLIC)

LEE HSIEN LOONG HALIMAH YACOB

•Prime Minister of Singapore •President of Singapore

•Singapore’s Head of Government •Singapore’s Head of State
•Assumed office : 12 August 2004 •First female President of Singapore
•Party victory : 2006, 2011, 2015 •Uncontested (2017) (elected unopposed)
•Since 14 September 2017
•Incumbent (Term expires 23 September 2023)
 WHAT IS ACTUALLY UNITARY
AND FEDERAL GOVT ?
There are two methods to classify government power – Territory Aspect & Function Aspect

i. Divide the area of a nation into several smaller areas

ii. The areas will be divided into several divisions that have certain functions of their own.

iii. The divisions are allocated with an administration mechanism that will perform its
givens function

 The division of power from the aspect of Territory & Function will form central
government & state government

 UNITARY AND FEDERAL SYSTEM

 1.2.4 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
 Power for central government and state government is divided & recorded & written in
constitution.
 Creates a new single sovereignty, a permanent union and implies an alliance of various units
and people of state
 Its legislative assemblies make the statutes and laws, centrally and regionally.
 No conflict of authority between different levels of governments
 Amendments require agreement by both the federal or national government and a majority of
the state or provincial governments.
 Federal system suited to states embracing wide geographic areas, and to state with sectional
diversities that result from unequal socioeconomic conditions and culture cleavage.
 E.g. United States, India, Malaysia
1.2.4 Federal Government (cont…)
1.2.4.1 Features of Federalism:
1. Has 2 sets of governments
◼ e.g.: National and Provincial / regional / Unit ) – independent
2. The divisions of power clearly stated in the constitution-between
Central and Regional
3. Constitutions is the Supreme Law
◼ Any legislation not in conformity either the provisions of the
constitutions is deemed invalid.
4. The court has the power of judicial review & interpret the constitutions.
◼ With this, the courts will decide disputes of jurisdiction arising
between the central gov. and regional gov.
5. Each level of government has its own range of activities under its
exclusive jurisdictions
◼ Central Government : national interest, import, defense, foreign
affairs
◼ Lower Government : regional interest.
Further reading Jayum pg. 97
 1.2.4.2 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
FEDERAL SYSTEM
Advantages of Federal System Disadvantages of Federal System
1. Secures efficiency in administration
2. Mixture of many cultural and political units 1. Weak govt. – absence of uniform policy on
◼ It is very suitable for large countries common issues, laws & policies and national
interests such as laws regulating marriage,
or those that are expanding divorce, abortion, gambling, liquor, child
territorially labour, voting rights, and public educations.
3. Often provides a magnificent laboratory for
testing out policies on a small scale before 2. Causes of unnecessary delay & wastage of
applying them nationally, energy.
4. Divisions functions – the national government 3. Expensive form of govt.
relatively free to concentrate on national and
international issues, while states/regions/ 4. Difficult to amend the constitution to keep
cantons handle more local concern. pace with the times - conditions requiring local
state agreements before an amendment
5. Produces a healthy local interest in politics.
5. Danger of secessions.
6. Prevents despotism.
a. Capable of uniting different units which 6. Duplication of services regional and federal
levels.
otherwise might have opted to stand on their
own.
 1.2.5 UNITARY GOVERNMENT
• Form of government that centralize its power to the central
government.
• Provinces & branches only implement its power according to what
being delineated by the central government.
• Administration power can be channeled from central government and
can be withdrawn if there is a need.
• E.g. of country practices Unitary System of Government is United
Kingdom, Japan, Singapore
 1.2.5.1 FEATURES OF UNITARY
1. Formal power and authority is located at national
centre, and sub-national gov. and other local units do
not exercise any political powers independently of the
central authority
2. The local or regional units of gov. exercise powers or
authority that are delegated to them by the centre
3. The central gov. may at any time redraw or abolish the
boundaries of local or regional units
4. The actions and policies of the central government
control and override the policies and actions of sub-
national levels of gov.
Source: Moten and Islam (2009)
 1.2.5.2 THE UNITARY GOVERNMENT (CONT…)
ADVANTAGES
a. Suitable being implemented in a nation with a small territory & population like Brunei &
Singapore.
b. The geographic location will enable two-way communication so that every decision
concerning on country administration & management can be implement easily (Secured
efficiency and quick decisions)
c. Suitable for countries that are culturally homogeneous
d. The possibility of the uniform application of laws and policies to all parts of the state which
enable the nation as a whole to adapt to new conditions and problem (No conflict of
authority between different levels of govt).
e. Simple organization and there is little or no duplication of personnel and services. This form
of government is likely to be less wasteful and less expensive than others.
 1.2.5.2 THE UNITARY GOVERNMENT (CONT…)
DISADVANTAGES
a. The centralization of the extra power will make the decision-making process only
done by the central government.
b. This can provoke cruelty & oppression (unfair decisions) upon citizens which live
outside the central area or those in rural area.
c. Tends to leave the responsibilities for deciding local affairs in the hands of central
government policy-makers and administrations. not reflected needs and demands of
the people.
d. Overcrowd the agenda of the national government with numerous local issues which
central government members may not consider sufficiently urgent – feel neglected.
Which one more important.
e. lead to loss of local initiative and participation by citizens in politics.
 EXAMPLE: JAPAN

1. Japan is a unitary government

2. Japan is divided into forty-seven administrative
divisions
• Prefectures @ Metropolitan district e.g: tokyo
• Urban prefectures e.g: Kyoto and Osaka
• Rural prefectures
• District

Parliament building
 CONFEDERATION SYSTEM OF
GOVERNMENT
 A confederation is an association of sovereign states, usually created
by treaty but often later adopting a common constitution
 Confederation tend to be established for dealing with critical issues
such as defence, foreign affairs, foreign trade, and common currency,
with the central government being required to provide support for all
members
 A confederation in modern political terms is usually limited to a
permanent union of sovereign states for common action in relation to
other states.
 Example of modern confederation: European Union (EU) and United
Nations (UN)
 AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
Assumed that the Muslims can decide upon the form that meets the
requirement of their time and place.
The Constitution of Madinah opted for a federal structure. Although the
Constitutions vested the executive, judicial and legislative powers in the
hands of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.
The tribes were given autonomy government within the framework of a
federal structure.
The city of Madinah was divided into several districts / wards on the basis of
tribal affiliations.
Each wards had a chief, deputy chiefs and ward council or commune.
The council of wards was completely autonomous and self-reliant
resembling the units of federations.
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC GOV. AND AUTOCRATIC GOV.

CHARACTERISTICS DEMOCRATIC GOV. PRACTICED BY AUTOCRATIC GOV. PRACTICED BY

USA, GREAT BRITIAN, ETC. EGYPT, COMMUNIST CHINA, ETC
POLITICS •Two parties or multiparty politics •Single party politics
•Unrestricted formation of political groups •Self-determined or party-determined
leadership
PARTICIPATION •Popular elections with progress toward •Voting franchise varies in scope, limited to
universal franchise approval of party candidates
•Detailed constitutional restraints on gov •Absence of constitutionalism

LIBERTY •Carefully protected individual liberties •Extremely narrow political liberties

EQUALITY •Vertical mobility with progress toward Enforced social stratification; total
social and economic equality economic control by gov.
MEDIA OR PUBLICATION •Freedom of press •Gov. control of press
FREEDOM
 CONCLUSION
 Government exist in every political system & posses power to
make decision for the citizens as well as the nation.

 Relationship of the government in all nation in the world is

becoming more complex and challenging.

 In the political systems, there are different forms and level of

government.

 In Unitary system- central government is very powerful.

 In Federal system - central government and state government

share its power
 INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE
1. Define ‘Democracy’.

2. Differentiate between Absolute Monarchy and Constitutional

Monarchy Systems.

3. Describe major characteristics of Federal Systems and Unitary

Systems of government. Give one example for each system.

4. Compare the executive in the Presidential System of United States

of America and the Parliamentary System in Malaysia.