Political Science Answers

A. There exist different views about the state. The view that the state as an institution is a mechanism used by the ruling class to oppress the working class can be attributed to one of the following people. Indicate the correct option.

1. Dalai lama
2. Shaka Zulu
3. Karl Marx
4. None of the above

B. Complete the following statement by selecting the correct option
Membership of the................ Provides a good indication of the omnipresence of the modern state.

1. United Nations
2. African Union
3. League of Nations
4. Organisation of African Unity

A. Section 91 of the constitution stipulates that the president appoint the deputy President who must assist the President in the handling of government affairs. Specific executive functions are assigned to the deputy President in this regard. Which one of the following is not such a function?

1. Leads government matters in the national Assembly and the national council of provinces
2. Represent cabinet in Parliament
3. Appoints commissions of enquiry
4. Consult with the chief whip of the majority political party on the programme of Parliament

A. The South African government is regarded as a constitutional democracy. To achieve this, it is expected of government to do the following, except for:

1. Establish popular sovereignty of the voting public
2. Consult the voters on issues of national importance
3. Build in checks and balances in the tax system
4. Receive the support of the majority of voters during an election and governs the country

A. The judicial branch of government is the third part of the trias politica. South Africa has an independent judicial authority. Independence implies that the courts must apply the law impartially. Of the factors listed below which one is regarded as the most important factor contributing to the independence of the judiciary:

1. Appointment procedure for judges
2. Interpretation of constitutional requirements
3. Establishment of the equal court
4. Decision upon disputes among the national and provincial spheres of government

A. Do you agree with the following statement:
The term " public administration " (lower case) refers to the activities performed by public employees in managerial posts when they contribute to functions such as policymaking, are involved in human resource management tasks and exercise control measures in the public institution they are employed.

1. Yes
2. No

A. The concept " state " is best described by the following statement

1. An internationally recognised, demarcated theory with borders consisting of a permanent population managed by an independent government
2. A public entity exercising legislative, executive and judicial authority over state departments
3. A public entity exercising legislative, executive and judicial authority over provincial administrations
4. A partnership of public institutions representing the values of society in partnership among three sphere of government

A. The term " democracy " is derived from the Greek words" demons " (the people) and " kratos" ( authority) . all of the following are characteristics of a democracy, except for

1. A conflict resolution process in which individuals can debate opposing views and vote on the issues with the majority vote as prevailing
2. A political system in which decision making power is widely shared among members of society
3. A system of government in which ultimate political power rests with the public at large
4. Union representatives making decision on behalf of employees

B. Constitutional law is that type of law which is contained in a country's constitution, more particularly law related to the basic functions and powers of government. Which one of the following statements best describes a constitution:

1. Definite rules by the government
2. Operation of political processes based on the norms of society
3. The framework of government and the nature and extent of governmental authority
4. Basic institutional arrangements and powers of government and rights of citizens

A. Authors in the filed identity different mechanism to make the role of the state tolerable. Examples of this include the following:

1. Frequent elections, remedial actions by the public protector, regulations of government actions.
2. Separation of government power, free news media, a sound constitution
3. Use of whistle blowers, appointment of watchdogs exposing waste and corruption, voters protest against government fraud
4. Improve monitoring of public employees' behaviour, rigorous control of the budget, implementation of anti fraudulent practices

The national legislature (national assembly) is composed of 400 members and the composition of this institution is determined by proportional representation. All national legislative power is vested in Parliament which is responsible for the following responsibilities and functions, except for.

A. Approving of public policies and amending of the 1996 constitution
B. Passing of legislation and overseeing operations of the executive
C. Monitoring the work of public institutions
D. Implementing national public policies