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Questions and Answers
What is the main reason public participation is important?
What is a petition?
What is governance?
What is a characteristic of good governance?
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What is the system of governance in our country according to the Constitution?
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What is the main purpose of representation through elections?
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What type of representation is used in the National Assembly?
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What is the supreme law-making body in the Republic of South Africa?
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What is one of the principles of the rule of law?
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What is the main objective of local governments?
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Study Notes
Public Participation
- Public participation means taking part in activities or events with others, such as standing for elections, attending community meetings, joining civil or political organizations, voting, paying taxes, and protesting or petitioning.
- Public participation is important because it:
- Ensures leaders do not abuse their powers
- Addresses the public's needs and concerns
- Informs government about people's needs and concerns
- Helps to get things done
Petition Process
- A petition is a written document that people sign to show support for a request or change.
- It is a formal request to the government to take action on a particular matter.
Governance
- Governance refers to the way a country is controlled or managed by its leaders.
- In South Africa, governance is based on a system of co-operative governance, where various levels of government work together.
- Good governance:
- Allows participation and provides feedback to the people
- Is transparent and open to the public
- Delivers basic human rights
- Is efficient and effective
- Produces results
- Protects the environment
- Is accountable for its actions and decisions
Representation
- Representation means that people elect others to speak on their behalf.
- There are two types of representation:
- Proportional representation: parties get seats in parliament based on the percentage of votes they receive
- Constituency-based representation: a country is divided into voting areas, and each area is represented by one member of a party's choice
Rule of Law
- The rule of law is defined by five principles:
- A government that is accountable
- An absence of corruption
- Security, order, and fundamental rights
- An open government that enforces laws and regulations
- Access to justice
Structure of Government
- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is a constitutional democracy with three structures of government: national, provincial, and local.
- The RSA is a sovereign, democratic state divided into nine provinces, each with its own provincial legislature.
- The national government consists of:
- The National Assembly: the supreme law-making body in the RSA
- The Cabinet: makes policies for the National Government
- Parliament: consists of two Houses - the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)
- Provincial governments:
- Are bound by national laws and policies
- Can develop their own laws and policies within the national framework
- Local governments:
- Consist of municipalities
- Objectives include providing democratic and accountable government, ensuring service provision, and promoting social and economic development
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Description
This quiz covers the principles and processes of democratic participation, including public participation, its importance, and ways to participate in civic activities.
