course website - web vieweach assignment, therefore, should be carefully edited for grammar, typos,...

POLI 112 POLITICAL

INSTITUTIONSSTUDY GUIDE

POLI 112POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS

STUDY GUIDEFor Undergraduates Level 100

2014/15 – 2016/17 Academic Year

Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO, Department of Political Science

University of Ghana

Acknowledgements

The Department of Political Science wishes to thank all those who contributed to the development of this instructional material.

STUDY GUIDEPOLI 112 POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS

CONTENTS

course Description...............................................................................

1. Course Website...................................................................................................................

2. Instructors...........................................................................................................................

3. Support Contact Information............................................................................................

5. Problem-Based Learning Approach.................................................................................

7. Learning Outcomes............................................................................................................

7.1 Knowledge.......................................................................................97.2 Skills..............................................................................................97.3 Competence......................................................................................9

8. Assessment.........................................................................................................................

8.1 Individual Assignments......................................................................118.2 Group Term Paper – Research Proposal.................................................11

9. Recommended Text..........................................................................................................

Detailed Class Schedule........................................................................13

10. Schedule Of Sessions.........................................................................................................

11. Session 0 – Introduction To Sakai Elements..................................................................

11.1 Overview.......................................................................................1311.2 Goals And Objectives........................................................................1311.3 Activities And Assignments................................................................13

12. Session 1 – Introduction To The Course.........................................................................


13. Session 2 – Definition, Nature And Functions Of Institutions......................................

13.1 Overview.......................................................................................14

POLI 112 POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS - STUDY GUIDE 2015 Page 2 of 26


13.2 Goals And Objectives........................................................................1513.3 Activities And Assignments................................................................15

14. Session 3 – Definition, Nature And Types Of Political Instituions...............................


15. Session 3 – Traditional And Political Institutions – Part One......................................

15.1 Overview.......................................................................................1615.2 Goals and Objectives.........................................................................16

16. SESSION 4 – Traditional And Political Instituions (Part TWO)................................

16.1 Overview.......................................................................................1616.2 Goals and Objectives.........................................................................1616.3 Activities and Assignments.................................................................16

17. SESSION 5 – The Legislature, Executive And Judiciary. Part One............................


18. SESSION 6 – The Legislature, Executive And Judiciary. Part Two...........................


19. SESSION 7 – Bureaucracy Part One..............................................................................


20. SESSION 8 – Bureaucracy Part Two.............................................................................


21. SESSION 9 – Political Parties.........................................................................................




22. Session 10 – Pressure Groups..........................................................................................


23. SESSION 11 – Representation, Elections And Voting Part One.................................


24. SESSION 12 – Representation, Elections And Voting Part Two.................................


25. SESSION 13 – Revision....................................................................................................


APPENDIX A..................................................................................24



COURSE DESCRIPTION

1. COURSE WEBSITE

http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXXXX

2. INSTRUCTOR

Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPODepartment of Political ScienceUniversity of Ghana P. O. Box LG 46Legon, Accra

Email: [email protected]

3. Support Contact Information

School of Continuing and Distance EducationUniversity of Ghana P. O. Box XXXXXXXLegon, Accra

Phone: XXXXXXXXXEmail: XXXXXXXXXXXX


mailto:[email protected]


4. OVERVIEW

The course is designed to introduce you, a first year political science student of the University of Ghana to the nature, scope and role of political institutions. It is important to study these institutions because they serve as a means through which the state performs its functions. Without political institutions, the functions of the state and government such as making good laws to guide the conduct of activities, implementing the laws made to ensure that there is justice, peace and order in the society, interpreting the good laws made so that everybody becomes clear in his/her mind as to what the laws of the land really says, among others, cannot be performed. Political institutions may either be traditional or modern. When I talk of traditional political institutions, I am essentially referring to the indigenous forms of government and in our case, the institution of chieftaincy. Chiefs at the paramount level and in the local communities play an important role to ensure the wellbeing of their people. Among the roles they play include making bye-laws and ensuring that such laws are obeyed. They also settle disputes and serve as the custodians of the norms and traditions or institutions of the local people. On the other hand when I talk about modern political institutions I am referring to institutions whose activities have a direct bearing on the functioning of the modern state. Such modern political institutions include the executive, legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy, forms of representation and electoral process, pressure groups, political parties, etc. in our discussions, I will draw examples from the global setting with emphasis on Africa and Ghana. Do not worry too much about the meaning of and functions of some of these political institutions. We would spend time to thoroughly discuss them one after the other in subsequent units as the course outline shows. You are required to keenly follow the discussions attentively, do all activities and assignments and to take some time off your schedules to visit some of the political institutions that we have identified to learn at first-hand about their activities, functions and constraints. In so doing, you may be able to suggest how such institutions can be strengthened and be made effective.

5. PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING APPROACH

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving. The goals of PBL are to help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed learning, effective collaboration skills and intrinsic motivation. This course will use a problem-based learning approach.

Working in groups, students identify what they already know, what they need to know, and how and where to access new information that may lead to resolution of the problem. The role of the instructor/lecturer/tutor is to facilitate learning by supporting, guiding, and monitoring the learning process. The tutor will help build students' confidence to take on the problem, and encourage the students, while also stretching their understanding.

6. COURSE FORMAT

The course content will be delivered online through the SAKAI Learning Management System (Sakai LMS). The Sakai LMS will be used to deliver

• Video Lecture Sessions



• Session Slides • Session Reading Materials• Assessments – Tests, Quizzes and Assignments (including a Problem-based Term

Paper)• Group activities – Discussions and Presentations • Tutorial Sessions

Announcements will be posted to the course website and/email accordingly. It is the responsibility of students to check on announcements made in class, on the Course Website, and through email.

7. LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes for the course are outlined along three strands: knowledge, skills and outcomes.

7.1 KNOWLEDGE

Students must have knowledge on 1. The nature, scope and role of Political Institutions2. The various theories explaining the emergence and nature of some political

institution.3. Some traditional political institutions in Ghana and across the world. 4. The Morden Political Institutions their respective function, challenges and problems

posed by them.

7.2 SKILLS

Students must be able to1. Appraise Political Institutions In Ghana whether or not the theory out-distance the

practice. 2. Justify which theory best explains the issues in the context of political Institutions3. Identify the challenges confronting Political Institutions In Ghana4. Suggest remedy to these problems aforementioned.

7.3 COMPETENCE

Students should in the future be able to1. Initiate and lead discussion concerning the governance process. 2. Create and suggest solutions to problems confronting many political institutions in

Ghana.3. Engage discussion in any of the political institutions discussed.

8. ASSESSMENT

The assessment for this course has been designed to help all students to maximize their individual and group/team learning opportunities. A summary of the assessment tasks is provided below.

ITEM FORM OF ASSESSMENT DELIVERED

MARKS

Continuous Assignments

Written Paper Middle of the Semester

30%

Written Semester Examination End of 70%



Examination semesterTotal 100%

8.1 Individual Assignments

Individual assignments will be provided at end of sessions. These assignments may be in the form of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Essays and/or a Term paper or presentation. Deadlines will be provided for each assignment with respect to scheduling of the sessions.

8.2 Group Term Paper

Select any Political Institution of your choice and complete the following task (a) enquire its historical background (b) describe its organizational structure (c) discuss the challenges and problems confronting it. See Appendix A for details.

Submission Guidelines: Each paper should be presented with a cover page which should state out the name of the Institution under study and also outline the name, index number and email address of students in the group. Each paper should be single-spaced, font-size 12, Times New Roman. Submit online through Sakai LMS by the end of the 12th Week.

Each assignment, therefore, should be carefully edited for grammar, typos, and/or spelling mistakes. Appropriate citations should be provided using the American Psychological Association (APA) format. The following website offers information about writing and formatting papers in the APA style including general format, reference of the works of others in your texts, reference list, examples, notes, and additional resources:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/apa/index.html

9. RECOMMENDED TEXT

Rhodes, R.A.W, Binder, A. Sarah And Rockman, A. Bert “The Oxford Handbook Of Political Institutions” (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003) NB: Relevant Section Of The Book Will Be Provided

Gyampo, R.E.V. The State of Political Institutions in Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012)

The Course Guide: POLI 112 Modules (Political Institutions Institute of Continuing and Distance Education)



DETAILED CLASS SCHEDULE

The course is organized into 13 SESSIONS along the following lines: (1) Overview; (2) Goals and Objectives; and (3) Activities and Assignments.

10. SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS

Week Session1 Sessions 02 Session 13 Sessions 24 Sessions 35 Session 46 Session 57 Session 68 Session 79 Session 810 Session 911 Session 1012 Session 1113 Session 12

11. SESSION 0 – INTRODUCTION TO SAKAI ELEMENTS

11.1 Overview

Introductions and orientation to the use of the Sakai Learning Management System (LMS) and the available tools for the course.

11.2 Goals and Objectives

At the end of the session, the student will 1. Understand the subject matter of this course – Political Institutions and how the

course would be conducted. 2. Become familiar with the tools in the Sakai LMS to be used in the course. 3. Do self-introductions and discuss the expectations for the course in the Chat Room

11.3 Activities and Assignments

This week, complete the following tasks:1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX2. Visit the Chat Room and introduce yourself while discussing expectations for the

course3. Explore the online tools available in Sakai.


http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX


12. SESSION 1 – INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

12.1 Overview

This course is designed to introduce you to the nature and scope of Political Institutions. Political Institutions play a key role in determining how state function. The question of who makes the laws, interprets and implements are all dependent on Political Institutions. Political Institutions may either be traditional or modern. Traditional political institutions refers essentially to the informal forms of government and in our case the chieftaincy. Chief’s play and important role to ensure the wellbeing of their people. Modern political institutions on the other hand refers to those institutions whose activities have a direct bearing on the state. They include but not limited to the legislature, executives, judiciary, Bureaucracy, Forms of Representations and Electoral process, Pressure Groups, Political Parties. As we journey through the course, we would spend time to discuss in the issues in detail. You are required to keenly follow all discussions and commit all assignments.

12.2 Goals and ObjectivesAt the end of the session, the student will

1. Define Political Institutions.2. Outline the role of Political Institutions in any democratic dispensation3. Identify Traditional Political Institutions4. Outline the functions of Traditional Political Institutions.5. Suggest how Traditional Political Institutions can strengthened 6. Mention and outline functions of Modern Political Institutions7. Explain how weak Modern Political Institutions can be made effective


This week, complete the following tasks:1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX2. Read Recommended Text – Gyampo, R.E.V. The State of Political Institutions in

Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012)3. Review Lecture Slides on this Session 4. Course Guide: Poli 112 Modules Political Institutions

13. SESSION 2 – DEFINITION, NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF INSTITUTIONS

13.1 Overview

Institutions play a vital role in determining the “rules of the game” in any body politic. They determine the kind of relationship that should exist among organizations and individuals. It must however be noted that, the type and nature of an institution determines its function. This section of the course will examine the varied explanation given by scholars as to what encompass Institutions. We will also identify the types of institutions and their respective differences, and thereafter provide some examples of the abovementioned institutions.




At the end of the session, the student will1. Define and explain Institutions2. Identify the types of Institutions3. Identify the character tics of Institutions4. Give examples of each type of Institutions Identified 5. State the difference between the types of Institutions Identified.


This week, complete the following tasks:1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX

Read Recommended Text Chapter 1– Gyampo, R.E.V. The state of Political Institutions in Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012)

2. Review Lecture Slides on this Session3. Contribute in class discussions

14. SESSION 3 – DEFINITION, NATURE AND TYPES OF POLITICAL INSTITUIONS.

14.1 Overview

You may in the previous section have been able to identify many institutions. It can be however ascertained that some of these institutions identified have a direct bearing on the activities of the state. And this is what this section focuses on. Political Institutions are institutions that determines who does what when and how in any body-politic. This section would lead students to grasp what political institutions are, its nature and the types.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Explain his/her own perspective of Political Institutions.2. Identify the relationship between Political Institutions and Institutions3. Outline the specific role played by this Institutions and suggest ways through which

the mentioned roles can be enhanced.4. Identify some specific problems confronting major political institution and how these

challenges can be mitigated.


This week, complete the following tasks:1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX2. Review Lecture Slides: Session 3 – Literature Review Part 1

Read Recommended Text – Gyampo, R.E.V. The state of Political Institutions in Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012)

3. Visit the Chat Room for discussion



15. SESSION 3 – TRADITIONAL AND MORDERN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS – PART ONE

15.1 Overview

As discussed above, the chieftaincy institution is a conspicuous example of the Traditional Political Institution especially in African and for that matter Ghana. They serve as a uniting force in our traditional communities promoting peace, security and welfare of the common good. In this section however, we would discuss thoroughly the chieftaincy institution with the paramount chief as the head and the sub-chiefs as its subordinates. Sources of legitimacy, the medium through which they are selected with an Ashanti chief as an example. Powers and functions of the chief would be also discussed


At the end of the session, the student will1. Identify the status and name of his/her paramount chief and their respective mode of

selection.2. Identify the various sub-chiefs and the respective roles and jurisdiction3. Identify the sources legitimacy of their respective chiefs 4. Identify and explain the difference the two types of societies identifies in the text.

Activities and AssignmentsThis week, complete the following tasks:

1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX2. Review Lecture Slides on this Session 3. Read Recommended Text – Gyampo, R.E.V. The State of Political Institutions in

Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012) pp 31-624. Visit the Chat Room and discuss the Forum questions5. Refer to Unit 2, pp. 24-39 of Poli 112 (Political Institutions) Modules

16. SESSION 4 – TRADITIONAL AND POLITICAL INSTITUIONS (PART TWO)

16.1 Overview

Paramount rulers, in every community especially the Akan Kingdom or empire broadly performs some specific functions. They also wield authority which legitimatizes their actions and inactions. In this section, will in laconic terms discuss the powers and functions of the paramount chiefs. We will thereafter identify some restraints on the powers of the Paramount Chief.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Mention and explain at least six powers and functions of paramount rulers.2. Identify some restraints on the powers of the paramount Chief.3. Explain how these restraints can serve as a check on the extensive powers of the chief.




This week, complete the following tasks:1. Visit Chat Room and discuss this question. State and explain possible restraint on

your paramount chief and how these restraint serve as a check on his extensive powers.

2. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX3. Review Lecture Slides on this Session4. Read Recommended Text – Gyampo, R.E.V. The state of Political Institutions in

Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012) pp. 31-625. Visit the Chat Room for discussion

17. SESSION 5 – THE LEGISLATURE, EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIARY. PART ONE

17.1 Overview

Welcome to this interesting section. This section discuses three main institutions together called the organs of government. The legislature or parliament makes the laws. The executive arm of the government implements the laws made by the legislature. The judiciary is that organ that interprets the law in circumstances of contention or during disputes. Previously in the Traditional system, the chiefs combined all these powers and functions making them to some extent dictators. Modern Political Institutions operates with the principle “separation of powers” which distinguishes in personnel and function the organs of government. This section specifically discusses the nature, Powers, and Functions of the Legislature. We will also review the Law making Process and Decline in the Legislature.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Be able to identify and explain the type of legislature in Ghana and across the globe2. State and explain five functions of the legislature3. State and explain the stages in the law making process4. State the problems confronting the legislature in the law making process.5. Suggest some possible ways to enhance the effectiveness of the legislature.


This week, complete the following task:1. The legislature has played and effective role in consolidation Ghana’s democracy.

Discuss. This assignment should be done on the UG Sakai. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/

2. Refer to Unite 3 pp.43-58 of your Course Guide Poli 112 Modules 3. Review Lecture Slides on this Session.


http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/


18. SESSION 6 – THE LEGISLATURE, EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIARY. PART TWO

18.1 Overview

This session explains the nature and scope of the executive arm of government. It thoroughly explains the functions and reason for the growth of executive powers in modern-day government. The dangers associated with the increase powers of the executive. The nature and scope of the judiciary will also be perused in this section.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Be able to identify and explain the types of executive.2. State and explain the functions and powers of the executive arm of government. 3. Identify the reasons accounting for the growth of executive powers of government. 4. State the dangers associated with the increase in powers of the executive.5. Explain the structure of the Judiciary and how Judges are recruited.6. State and explain the function of the Judiciary and how it can be controlled.


This week, complete the following tasks:1. Read Unit 3 section 3-5 of your course guide2. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX3. Review Lecture Slides: 4. Visit the Chat Room and discuss the Forum question for Session

19. SESSION 7 – BUREAUCRACY PART ONE

19.1 Overview

Welcome to this session. At the end of this session, you will be able to dispel the many notions often associated with the term bureaucracy. To some the mention of the term bureaucracy connotes some sluggish, inefficient, in-humane and “red-tape” administrative structure. The ideal type bureaucracy however, does not necessarily promote the negative conceptions above. Instead it promotes effectiveness and efficiency in bureaucratic administration. This section specifically deals with nature and characteristics of the ideal type bureaucracy. It also looks at bureaucratic structures essentially and its importance.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Be able to explain the term bureaucracy2. State at least three features of Weber’s ideal type bureaucracy.3. Identify the components in the bureaucratic structure. 4. State at least 4 importance of the ideal type bureaucracy.5. Explain the term Political Patronage.




This week, complete the following tasks:1. Read Unite 4 section 1-3 of your course guide; Poli 112 Modules Political

Institutions2. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX3. Read Chapter 19 of Recommended Text – Donald, F. K.(2006) Public Bureaucracies

In Rhodes, R.A.W, Binder, A. Sarah and Rockman, A. Bert “The Oxford Handbook of Political Institutions” (New York: oxford university Press, 2003)

20. SESSION 8 – BUREAUCRACY PART TWO

20.1 Overview

The final part of this session concentrates on the several criticism leveled against Webers’s ideal type of bureaucracy. Time will be devoted to peruse all these criticism to ascertain their respective strengths and weaknesses. The session again will review the relationship between Politicians and Bureaucrats. Reasons of why Politicians are assumed of having the pungent of controlling bureaucrats will be discussed.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Identify some key criticisms levelled against the ideal concept of bureaucracy2. Should be able to express his/her opinions on these criticism.3. State and explain the relationships between Politicians and bureaucrats.4. Discus the mechanisms employed by politician to equip their control over the

bureaucrats.


This week, complete the following tasks:1. I will advise that a careful and thorough reading should employed especially to this

section. 2. Visit Chat Room and discus this question. Suggest ways in which the intra-

Bureaucratic problems could be dealt with or minimized. 3. Read Chapter 8 of Recommended Text – Donald, F. K.(2006) Public Bureaucracies

In Rhodes, R.A.W, Binder, A. Sarah and Rockman, A. Bert “The Oxford Handbook of Political Institutions” (New York: oxford university Press, 2003)

4. Gyampo, R.E.V. The S tate of Political Institutions in Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012)



21. SESSION 9 – POLITICAL PARTIES21.1 Overview

In this section we will look at Political Parties and their role in consolidating a democracy.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Be able to explain what political party is2. Discus the various theories explaining the origin of political parties. 3. Explain the difference between the types of party systems4. Differentiate between types of Political Parties.5. State at least 5 functions of political parties6. State any 4 problems and challenges of political parties.


This week, complete the following tasks: 7. Read Unit 5 section 1-6 of your course guide: Poli 112 Modules Political Institutions 8. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX9. Review Lecture Slides on this session10. Visit the Chat Room and discuss the Forum question for Session 11. Read Chapter 28 Of Recommended Text- Aldrich H. J. Political Parties In And Out

Of Legislature In Rhodes, R.A.W, Binder, A. Sarah And Rockman, A. Bert “The Oxford Handbook Of Political Institutions” (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008)

22. SESSION 10 – PRESSURE GROUPS22.1 Overview

There is a clear cut distinction between Political Parties and Pressure groups. Whereas the former seeks to capture political power, the latter seek to influence government policies in their favor. Many pressure groups exist in Ghana but the best known and the most conspicuous ones are the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), University Teachers Association (UTAG), Trades Union Congress (TUC) etc. These may also be called interest groups since they exist in the interest of their members. There are several explanations given to the origin of Pressure groups especially In Ghana. Pressure groups are also confronted with several challenges which sometimes impedes their performance. This section herein will be devoted towards answering all the above concerns.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Give your own definition of what 2. explain the theories of origin of pressure groups



3. state the at least 4 different types of pressure groups in Ghana4. State at least 4 function of pressure groups. 5. Identify keys problems likely to be created by pressure groups in the conduct of their

duties.


This week, complete the following task:1. Visit Chat Room to discuss this question. Pressure groups are a bane to Ghana’s

democracy. Discus2. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX3. Review Lecture Slides on this session4. Refer to Unit 5, pp. 87 -100 of Poli 112 Political Institutions Modules5. Gyampo, R.E.V. The state of Political Institutions in Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany:

Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012) pp. 147-158

23. SESSION 11 – REPRESENTATION, ELECTIONS AND VOTING PART ONE

23.1 Overview

Well done guys! You have come to the final session of this course. Hope you have enjoyed the topics discussed so far. This section specifically will deal with the way and manner you are represented in the decision making process. The Athenian city states practiced what was called direct or unmediated democracy. Here qualified citizens met under trees and in town halls to take decisions. In modern times however, the increasing population growth and the complexity in modern day governance renders the Athenian direct model of democracy in-applicable. Modern democracy have adopted representative democracy where leaders are elected to take informed decision on behalf of citizens. This section in part will deal with the theories of representation, election: definition and types, how we can make our election free and fair and finally discuss the function and problems of elections. Enjoy


At the end of the session, the student will1. Identify and explain the models of representation2. Explain the concept of elections3. Discus the types of elections4. Mention and explain factors that can make election free and fair during campaign

periods5. Discus factors that can make an election free and fair in an election day.6. Discus factors that can make an election free after Election Day.7. Explain how problems confronted during election periods can be mitigated.


This week, complete the following tasks:



1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX2. Review Lecture Slides on this session3. Read Chapter Unite 6 section 1-4 of your course guide.4. Visit the Chat Room and discuss this question: which of the theories of voting do you

find plausible. Raise 4 arguments to support each position

24. SESSION 12 – REPRESENTATION, ELECTIONS AND VOTING PART TWO

24.1 Overview

Hello guy! You may have once thought or heard several explanations given to why people vote in Ghana or any Political dispensation for that matter. You may have also wondered how these votes are translated into legislative seats. In this final session, we will discuss theories set forth to explain why people vote. Whether or not for political party, sociological or ideological reasons would be ascertained. The session will also expose you to how across the globe, votes are translated into legislative seats.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Explain what an electoral formula is 2. Identify the type of electoral formula3. Distinguish between the types of electoral formulae4. Explain voting5. Discuss the main models of voting identified by Heywood (2002)


This week, complete the following tasks:1. Log onto the UG Sakai LMS course site: http://sakai.ug.edu.gh/XXXXXXXXX2. Visit Chat Room to discuss the following questions. How would you justify the

usefulness of the party identification model of voting? Which of the four main models of voting do you consider useful in our modern times?

3. Review Lecture Slides on this Session 4. Read Chapter Unit 6 section 1-6 of your course guide5. Visit the Chat Room and discuss the Forum questions

25. SESSION 13 – REVISION

25.1 Overview

Thank you all guys for participation in Poli 112: Political Institutions. We have discussed the nature and scope of political institutions, traditional Political Institutions as known as the informal institutions with emphasis on Chieftaincy. We have also in this section discussed Modern Political institutions (the legislature, executive, judiciary, bureaucracy and Political Parties, their respective functions and challenges posed and confronted in the discharge of their duties. And then finally, dealt with representation voting and election. I will advise that you make time to thoroughly peruse all these topics in other to grasp them. Study groups and



the aid of teaching assistants would be useful in this session. This study can be followed to structure your study strategy as you undertake this course. Thank You.


At the end of the session, the student will1. Come to a full comprehension of the course.


This week, complete the following tasks:1. Discus all activities and assignment in your study groups 2. Read the study guide thoroughly3. Visit the Chat Room for discussions.



APPENDIX AGROUP ASSIGNMENT

Select any Political Institution of your choice and complete the following task (a) enquire its historical background (b) describe its organizational structure (c) discuss the challenges and problems confronting it.

Submission Guidelines: Each paper should be presented with a cover page which should state out the name of the institutions under-study and also outline the name, index number and email address of students in the group. The work should be single-spaced, font-size 12, Times New Roman. Submit online through Sakai LMS or you tutor by the end of the 12th Week.

Each assignment, therefore, should be carefully edited for grammar, typos, and/or spelling mistakes. Appropriate citations should be provided using the American Psychological Association (APA) format. The following website offers information about writing and formatting papers in the APA style including general format, reference of the works of others in your texts, reference list, examples, notes, and additional resources:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/apa/index.html

1. Cover page a. Each paper should be presented with a cover page which should state out the title

of the research and also outline the name, index number and email address of student.

2. Contentsa. Table of Contentsb. List of Figures (where necessary)c. List of Tables (where necessary)d. Abbreviations (where necessary)e. Definition of Terms (where necessary)

3. Introductiona. Background [not more than 300 words]

The background should contain a brief over view of the assignment, the Institutions and the problem sought to be ascertained. The objectives of the study can also be included.

b. Body [400 words] This section should include the main objective of your assignment. Feel free to include anything you deem relevant. ConclusionThis section should include the summary of you work. Suggested recommendations can also be included in this final section

c. Reference Provide the references for all the journal articles and readings you referred to in the work.


course website - web vieweach assignment, therefore, should be carefully edited for grammar, typos,...

Documents