Government Flashcards
Government consist of:
- Parliament
- Courts
- President
- Ministers
- Premiers
- Mayors
- Politicians
- Government Departments
- People employed by government
- State owned companies like Eskom and SAA
How often is elections held in South Africa to elect a government?
Every 4 years
What is parliament?
Consists of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces
What is the function of the National Assembly?
Considers and approves legislation proposed by the Executive and government departments
What is the function of the National Council of provinces?
Considers and approves legislation proposed by the provincial government.
What is the Executive?
- The president and cabinet ministers.
2. Heads the government and proposes legislation to Parliament.
What is the function of Government departments?
Carry out the work of the Government.
Who is the state institutions?
Oversight bodies within government, e.g. the Public Protector
What is state owned companies?
Entities organised as companies to carry out certain government functions for which government departments are not suitable.
What is the function of courts?
Interpret laws made by Parliament.
What is the Constitutional Court?
The highest court tasked with interpreting the Constitution.
What is the Supreme Court of Appeal?
Highest court of appeal, except for Constitutional matters.
What is High Courts?
Exercise the judicial authority of the country.
Name the 3 levels of government and its function:
- National government - Responsible at national level
- Provincial government - Responsible at provincial level, subject to National government
- Local government - Responsible at local level, subject to National and Provincial government
Roles of government:
- Government is a consumer, because it consumes goods and services offered by other producers.
- Government is a producer, because it produces goods and services which are offered to consumers.
Roles of government in respect of households:
- National government - renders services such as military and police and matters of national interest such as environmental protection and mining.
- Provincial government - renders services such as education and health care services.
- Local government - renders municipal services such as distribution of electricity and water, sanitation and garbage removal.
Roles of government in respect of businesses:
- National government - the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for administering companies and consumer and intellectual property legislation
- Provincial government - Environmental conservation
- Local government - Businesses must apply with local government for certain licenses and permits - depending on the type of business.
