THE RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT

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 Introduction

Undoubtedly, the society and its organization is a complex and dynamic phenomenon which must be understood both to improve human relationship and the art of government. This study of government can be very resourceful to the knowledge of human being, human interaction and to the entire society. To that extent, the following are the relevance of studying the subject government:

1. The study of government helps the people to take part in the art of governance or in political decision making of the country. e.g. voting during election, public opinion, pressure groups etc. are all forms of political participation

2. The study of government gives opportunities for the people to know how conflict originates and how they are resolved both locally and internationally. For instance, the crisis between Chris Ngige and Uba in 2001 was as a result of god-fatherism. Whereas, the war between USA and IRAQ was as a result of crude oil but in disguise of baseless allegation of weapons of mass destruction.

3. The study of government provides political education to the citizens of a country. In this way, the citizens can understand the activities of government and their knowledge can be improved in giving political judgment and assessment. In that instance, the study of government widens people's knowledge about the administration and institution of government

4. The knowledge obtained from the study of government as an academic field helps to develop specialist, academicians and professionals who make their living from it.

5. The study of government helps to know and understands different forms and system of government in various nations of the world, based on certain peculiarities and values of the people e.g. a federal system in a heterogeneous society.

6. The study of government enlightens the citizens about their lights, duties and obligation, which they owe the state and to which they are entitled by the government. For instance, the fundamental human rights, obedience to national authority etc. are understood through the study of government. For instance, section 32-42 and 33-43 of Nigeria 1989 and 1999 constitution respectively, provided for this right, but this may not be recognized without adequate study of government.

7. The knowledge of government gives opportunities for the people to understand how laws are made, executed and interpreted as well as the relevance of those laws; e.g. stages before laws are made, the relationship between different arms of government and levels of government etc. Be that as it is, the importance and the relevance of the study of government cannot be overemphasized

FUNCTIONS OF MODERN GOVERNMENT

1) Employment opportunity to the citizens: Government is the major employee of labour hence, the government gainfully employs both skill and unskilled labours, perhaps, this explains why some advanced countries like USA, Britain etc often pay employment allowance to the citizens who have not been gainfully employed.

2) Promotion of welfare services: It is the duty of government to provide some basic services to the people especially those services which are too costly but are necessary, such as free medical cares, good roads, electricity, adequate water supply etc. It is imperative to know that irrespective of the system of government being practiced in a state, the above services must be provided for the citizens. According to the formal minister of orientation and information, Professor Jerry Gana, if democracy does not produce water, electricity, transform agriculture, democracy will lose its credibility and our people may say "Se NA Democracy will go chop" This further shows the essence of social amenities to the survival and decent existence of the people.

3) Law making and policy formulation: The government makes the rules and regulations that ensure the peaceful co-existence of people in the society. Not only that, government also help to formulate policy and of course, such government often ensure the execution and implementation of such policy to meet its stated goals. (Legislature and Executive help to do this).

4) Economic function: To bring economic benefits to the citizenry, government do Invest directly or Indirectly in the economy of the state such investment Includes the purchasing of go ods, operating industries, establishment of parastatals, promoting services and promoting different economic activities generally.

5) Protection of lives and properties: It is compulsory for every government to maintain security of the state, maintain order and protect life and property, as well as protect the citizens from both internal and external aggression. This explains why little wonder, Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 - 1527) asserted that, "government should do anything possible to ensure the survival, stability and continuity of the state". From the perspective of John lock (1603-1704), the ends of government are to preserve life, liberty and property

6) Political functions: Governments helps to conduct periodic election, free and fair elections to ensure smooth and peaceful change of government and stability in the society.

7) Maintenance of good neighbourliness: This emphasizes the good conduct and promotion of international relations by the government, since no nation is absolutely independent. Hence, the governments of a country try to relate with the other countries of the world to seek those objectives which cannot be attained within its domain. This explains Nigeria promotes peaceful relation in Africa and the entire world. However, the Inability of Nigeria to declare war on Cameroon over bakassi-peninsula is not unconnected with this factor.

8) Government also helps to administer justice: This is done through the impartial judiciary. That is, it is the duty of the law court to settle dispute and administers justice. In that instance, prisons are established and equipped for the punishment of offenders and criminals.

In the final analysis, where there is no government, there would be anarchy and survival of the fittest. Not only that, insecurity, civil Unrest, confusion etc. would be the order of the day.

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