FORM 1 A CIVIC LESSON ON POLITICAL PARTIES.pptx

it analyses on the structure and importance political parties

1. MUKUMBWA SECONDARY PRESENTED BY: MR MUSONDA H CIVIC TEACHER TOPIC: POLITICAL PARTIES

2. LESSON OBJECTIVES: Define a Political Party. Analyze the structure of a Political Party. Inquire on the factors that lead to the formation of the political party. Distinguish between Ruling party and a Political Party.

3. key terms Political Party : A group of people who come together with a view of governing a nation Political Power : the ability to influence or direct the actions, beliefs or conduct of individuals or groups. Ideology : A set of beliefs, values and principles that shape understanding of the world and provide guidance to actions. Ideology can be political, social, economic or cultural in nature. Accountability : Leaders being answerable to citizens for their actions. Transparency : The openness of leaders in their decisions and actions.

4. Key terms Party Manifesto: A document that contains the values and plans of a political party towards the nation. One- Party System: a political system in which only one party is allowed to exist and hold power Bi- Party System: a political system in which two major parties dominate the political landscape. It can also be called a two-party system Multi- Party System : signifies the existence of many political parties, big and small in the country. They alternate power, to more than two political parties.

5. DEFINATION OF A POLITICAL PARTY A political party is a group of citizens who organize themselves with a common value, ideas and a goal towards forming government. A political party represents an alternative government in a country. Political parties originate from different aspects of our communities.

6. factors that lead to the formation of political parties Ideological differences : disagreements over ideology, principles and policies can lead to the formation of new parties. Economic interests : disagreements over economic policies and interests can lead to party formation. Charismatic leaders : individuals with persuasive and compelling attitudes can lead others in the formation of a political party.

7. Regional and geographic interests : parties may form to represent the interests of specific regions or geographic areas. For example, in the United States of America, the Republican Party initially represented the interests of the Northern states, while the Democratic Party, the Southern states. Social and cultural issues : parties may form around social and cultural issues such as slavery, civil rights or immigration.

8. Human nature (inborn differences): by nature, people differ in the way they understand and look at issues of life. Therefore, differences in opinion lead people to form political parties. Religious and communal sentiments : some people form political parties according to their religious beliefs. Historical events and crises: major historical events such as wars, economic depressions or social unrest may lead to the formation of parties.

9. Differences between the ruling and opposition parties Ruling party The ruling party is the political party which governs a country after winning elections and holds the governing power . It forms the executive arm of government (cabinet) headed by the president which is responsible for policy formulation and implementation.

10. In the legislature, the ruling party initiates laws through public bills in line with its vision and development goals as enshrined in the party manifesto. It mobilises citizens to support national initiatives and government programs.

11. Opposition party An opposition political party is any political party which is not in government but works to provide checks and balances on the ruling party. This is done by questioning the actions, policies and decisions of government in power. It ensures that the government remains answerable to the citizens by holding government accountable for its actions.

12. It provides a healthy democracy by ensuring that government is accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of the citizens. It presents alternative policies and programmes for development purposes and stands as an alternative government.

13. It educates the public on important national and international issues Opposition political parties raise public debates that in turn force government consider popular concerns in the interest of the public

14. STRUCTURE OF A POLITICAL PARTY NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTE PROVINCIAL COMMITTE DISTRICT COMMITTE CONSTITUENCY COMMITTE WARD/BRANCH COMMITTE

15. a. The National Executive Committee (NEC): this is the highest organ of the party which is made up of senior elected party members b. The Provincial Committee (PEC): this is a political party organ which administers party affairs at the provincial level headed by elected chairperson c. The District Executive Committee (DEC): this is a political party organ established in every district headed by the district chairperson.

16. d. The Constituency Committee: this is a party organ which is answerable to the district executive and is responsible for managing the affairs of a political party at constituency level. e. Ward and Sections or Branch Committee: These are lower organs within the party structure responsible for mobilizing grassroot membership for a political party.