Introduction To Societychapter Fourteen Weekly Assignmentsgovernment O ✓ Solved

Introduction to Society Chapter Fourteen Weekly Assignments Government of the World 1. Give a history and describe the key features of the French government. 2. Give a history and describe the key features of the Mexican government. 3.

Give a history and describe the key features of the Nigerian government. 4. Give a history and describe the key features of the Russian government. 5. Give a history and describe the key features of the Saudi Arabian government.

6. According to your readings summarize the four general points that supports the lessons of diversity of governments both democratic and autocratic. 7. What are the four minister posts under the prime minister? 8.

Go to . In terms of population, how does Nigeria rank compared to other African countries? How does it rank in terms of physical size? 9. Using the CIA World Facebook, , what are the administrative divisions of Mexico 10.

Go to . What was Vladimir Putin’s career path?

Paper for above instructions

Introduction to Government and Society

Governments play a pivotal role in regulating the way societies function. They are reflections of a nation’s history, culture, and aspirations. This paper provides an overview of the French, Mexican, Nigerian, Russian, and Saudi Arabian governments, along with their historical backgrounds and key features. Subsequently, the lessons from the diversity of governments will be summarized, followed by an examination of ministerial posts in the context of a parliamentary system. It also explores Nigeria's demographic standing in Africa and details Mexico's administrative divisions, concluding with an analysis of Vladimir Putin’s career path.

1. French Government: History and Key Features

The French government is characterized by its transformation through various political phases including monarchy, revolution, and republic. Initially, France was ruled by absolute monarchs until the French Revolution in 1789, which heralded the establishment of republican ideals (Schama, 2004). Since then, France has experienced multiple governments, currently functioning as the Fifth Republic since 1958 under Charles de Gaulle.
Key features include:
- Semi-Presidential System: The President and Prime Minister share executive powers (Chalaby, 2019).
- Bicameral Legislature: The French Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Centralized Administration: France maintains a strong central government that controls local administrations.

2. Mexican Government: History and Key Features

Mexico's government has undergone substantial changes since its independence from Spain in 1821. It transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, modified by the revolution from 1910 to 1920 which sought social reforms (Hernandez, 2010).
Key features include:
- Federal Republic: Mexico is organized into 32 federal entities, each with a degree of autonomy.
- Bicameral Congress: The Congress of the Union consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
- Presidential System: The President is both the head of state and government, elected for a six-year term without the possibility of reelection.

3. Nigerian Government: History and Key Features

Nigeria gained independence from British rule in 1960. Its post-independence political landscape has been marked by military coups and a struggle for democracy (Buhari, 2019).
Key features include:
- Federal System: Nigeria operates a federal government with 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory.
- Presidential Democracy: The President serves as the head of state, head of government, and Commander-in-Chief.
- Bicameral National Assembly: This includes the Senate and House of Representatives.

4. Russian Government: History and Key Features

The governmental structure of Russia has evolved from the Tsarist autocracy to a socialist regime and currently to a federal semi-presidential republic. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to significant reforms and the establishment of a new constitution in 1993 (Mankoff, 2013).
Key features include:
- Federal Structure: Russia is composed of various regions, including republics, krais, and oblasts.
- Semi-Presidential System: The President and Prime Minister share executive authority.
- United Russia Party Dominance: The political landscape is largely dominated by regional parties with United Russia as the leading force.

5. Saudi Arabian Government: History and Key Features

Saudi Arabia, founded in 1932 by Ibn Saud, maintains a unique form of governance deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. It is an absolute monarchy (Al-Rasheed, 2010).
Key features include:
- Monarchy: The King holds substantial political power and authority, derived from both political and religious legitimacy.
- Sharia Law: The legal system is based on Islamic law, and the King is seen as the guardian of the two holy mosques, reinforcing religious governance.
- Council of Ministers: Alongside the King, appointees help govern but have limited power to influence the King's decisions.

6. Points on Diversity of Governments

The experiences of different governmental systems produce important lessons, which include:
1. Historical Context Matters: Each country’s unique history shapes its form of government, influencing stability and effectiveness.
2. Democracy vs. Autocracy: While democratic systems typically promote active citizen engagement, autocratic regimes may provide stability but at the cost of freedoms (Diamond, 2008).
3. Cultural Influence: Government systems often reflect a nation’s cultural attributes, impacting governance styles and policy areas (Inglehart & Welzel, 2005).
4. Adaptability and Resilience: Governments evolve, adapting to societal changes and pressures, indicative of their long-term viability (Held, 2006).

7. Ministerial Posts under a Prime Minister

In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister’s cabinet typically includes:
1. Minister of Finance: Responsible for economic policies and fiscal measures.
2. Minister of Foreign Affairs: Manages diplomatic relations and foreign policies.
3. Minister of Interior: Oversees national security and domestic policies.
4. Minister of Defense: Responsible for the country's defense and military operations.

8. Nigeria's Population and Physical Size

As of 2023, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, boasting a population exceeding 215 million people, which places it among the top ranks globally (World Bank, 2021). In terms of physical size, Nigeria occupies approximately 923,768 square kilometers, making it one of the larger nations in West Africa, though it is smaller than countries like Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

9. Administrative Divisions of Mexico

According to the CIA World Factbook, Mexico is divided administratively into 32 entities: 31 states and one Federal District (CIA World Factbook, 2023). Each state has its own constitution and government, reflecting the federal system established by the 1917 Constitution.

10. Vladimir Putin’s Career Path

Vladimir Putin began his career in the KGB, where he served as an intelligence officer until the collapse of the Soviet Union. He transitioned into politics in St. Petersburg before moving to Moscow, where he became Prime Minister in 1999. By the end of the same year, he was appointed President after Boris Yeltsin's resignation (Rimmer, 2015). Putin has served as President from 2000 to 2008 and then again since 2012, with terms as Prime Minister in between, marking a significant influence on Russian politics for over two decades.

Conclusion

The diverse governance structures observed across global nations highlight their unique historical contexts, promoting citizen engagement, and adapting to cultural legacies. Understanding these variegated systems provides important insights into the functioning and resilience of states worldwide.

References

1. Al-Rasheed, M. (2010). A History of Saudi Arabia. Cambridge University Press.
2. Buhar, M. (2019). Nigeria's Political Transition: 1999 and Beyond.
3. Chalaby, J. K. (2019). The Politics of the French Fifth Republic. Routledge.
4. CIA World Factbook. (2023). Mexico.
5. Diamond, L. (2008). The Spirit of Democracy: The Struggle to Build Free Societies Throughout the World. Times Books.
6. Hernandez, A. (2010). Mexico: A History of Revolution. Oxford University Press.
7. Held, D. (2006). Models of Democracy. Stanford University Press.
8. Inglehart, R., & Welzel, C. (2005). Modernization, Cultural Change, and Democracy: The Human Development Sequence. Cambridge University Press.
9. Mankoff, J. (2013). Russia's Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity. Rowman & Littlefield.
10. Rimmer, P. (2015). Vladimir Putin: The Man and His Politics. PoliPointPress.