19. POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS

A) POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS:

It may be defined as, a set of norms pertaining to the distribution of power and authority concerning the management and control of society to bring order in life.

The political institutions provide stability and progress of country.

The Important Aspects of Political Institutions are as follow:

1. Political behaviour.
2. Pressure group.
3. Public opinion.
4. Public relations.
5. Collective behaviour.
6. Orderliness.

Examples of Political Institutions:

1. National Assembly.
2. Provincial Assembly.
3. Town Committee.
4. Union Council.
5. Jirga.
6. Bradri.

B) POLITICAL PARTY:

It is an organization of people interested in and working to control, or influence the power structure of a community or society.

C) STATE:

It consists of a body politically organized people permanently occupying a definite territory, speaking a common language and having common culture.

D) GOVERNMENT:

It is a body of people that constitutes the governing authority of a state. It consists of complex of political institutions, laws and customs that maintain law and order in a state.

F) FORMS OF GOVERNMENT:

1. DEMOCRACY: It is derived from two Greek words: “Demon” Means people.“Kratos” Means Rule. Democracy means rule by the people. The idea of democracy was given by ARISTOTLE a Greek philosopher.Democracy ma be defined as Government by the people, of the people, for the people “the most important activity of democracy is the exercising the right to vote. Democracy may be of two types:
   1. Presidential: Supreme power of government in hand of the president.
   2. Parliamentarian: Supreme powers of government are in hands of prime Minister.
2. ARISTOCRACY: In this type the basic decision are made by small elite group.
3. AUTOCRACY: (Dictatorship)In this type, the government is control by one supreme power and no appeal can be made against them.
4. MONARCHY: (Kingdom)In this type, the lead of state is king. It is of two types.
   1. Absolute: In this type, the king has absolute authority E.g. king or Saudi Arabia.
   2. Limited: In this type, the power of king is limited by the fundamental laws of the country E.g. king of United Kingdom.
5. RELIGIOUS: In this type, the religion have dominant role in the country.
6. SECULAR: In this type, the government is totally run on political lines.
7. SOCIALISM: In this type, the state owns and controls all the means of production. No private companies are allowed.
8. COMMUNISM: In this type, the government is the total owner of the major industries. It control’s the country through single authoritarian party and controls economic social and culture of a society.

G) FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT:

There are two type of functions:

1. External.
2. Internal.

a) External Function:

To protect people of country from outside dangers or aggression or war from any other country.

b) Internal Function:

1. To take care of life, homes and property of peoples.
2. To provide homes to live.
3. To provide education.
4. To provide electricity, water and gas.
5. To provide transport facilities E.g. road rail etc.
6. To provide communication facilities e.g. telephone.
7. To provide health and control disease.
8. To maintain law and order.
9. To control crime.
10. To take care of handicapped, children.
11. To solve un-employment.
12. To control child labour.
13. To regulate trade and commerce.
14. To protect people from anti social elements.
15. To provide recreation facilities E.g. parks, and games like cricket etc.

H) RIGHTS OF CITIZENS:

The following are the rights of citizens:

1. Right of security of life property and honour.
2. Right of housing.
3. Right of education.
4. Right to move freely.
5. Right to express freely.
6. Right to marry.
7. Right of religion.
8. Right of facilities of transportation from one place to another place.
9. Right of health facilities.
10. Right of defence against foreign enemies.