Government

Question 1

Government consist of:

Answer 1

1. Parliament
2. Courts
3. President
4. Ministers
5. Premiers
6. Mayors
7. Politicians
8. Government Departments
9. People employed by government
10. State owned companies like Eskom and SAA

Question 2

How often is elections held in South Africa to elect a government?

Answer 2

Every 4 years

Question 3

What is parliament?

Answer 3

Consists of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces

Question 4

What is the function of the National Assembly?

Answer 4

Considers and approves legislation proposed by the Executive and government departments

Question 5

What is the function of the National Council of provinces?

Answer 5

Considers and approves legislation proposed by the provincial government.

Question 6

What is the Executive?

Answer 6

1. The president and cabinet ministers.

2. Heads the government and proposes legislation to Parliament.

Question 7

What is the function of Government departments?

Answer 7

Carry out the work of the Government.

Question 8

Who is the state institutions?

Answer 8

Oversight bodies within government, e.g. the Public Protector

Question 9

What is state owned companies?

Answer 9

Entities organised as companies to carry out certain government functions for which government departments are not suitable.

Question 10

What is the function of courts?

Answer 10

Interpret laws made by Parliament.

Question 11

What is the Constitutional Court?

Answer 11

The highest court tasked with interpreting the Constitution.

Question 12

What is the Supreme Court of Appeal?

Answer 12

Highest court of appeal, except for Constitutional matters.

Question 13

What is High Courts?

Answer 13

Exercise the judicial authority of the country.

Question 14

Name the 3 levels of government and its function:

Answer 14

1. National government - Responsible at national level
2. Provincial government - Responsible at provincial level, subject to National government
3. Local government - Responsible at local level, subject to National and Provincial government

Question 15

Roles of government:

Answer 15

1. Government is a consumer, because it consumes goods and services offered by other producers.
2. Government is a producer, because it produces goods and services which are offered to consumers.

Question 16

Roles of government in respect of households:

Answer 16

1. National government - renders services such as military and police and matters of national interest such as environmental protection and mining.
2. Provincial government - renders services such as education and health care services.
3. Local government - renders municipal services such as distribution of electricity and water, sanitation and garbage removal.

Question 17

Roles of government in respect of businesses:

Answer 17

1. National government - the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for administering companies and consumer and intellectual property legislation
2. Provincial government - Environmental conservation
3. Local government - Businesses must apply with local government for certain licenses and permits - depending on the type of business.