(a) Describe the term Government as an art of governing (b) Highlight any four duties of government

Answer Details

(a) Government as an art of governing

Government as an art of governing refers to the actual practice or process of administering the affairs of the state, that is, the way in which power is acquired and used to make and enforce decisions, maintain order and provide for the needs of the people. In this sense government means the exercise of authority and the machinery of ruling a people.

(b) Duties of government

1. Maintenance of law and order. Government protects life and property and keeps internal peace through the police and the courts.
2. Defence of the state. It safeguards the territory and sovereignty of the state against external attack.
3. Provision of social amenities and infrastructure. It supplies education, health, water, roads and other services.
4. Protection of citizens' rights. It guarantees and defends the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people.
5. Regulation of the economy. It manages and develops the economy through appropriate policies.