Fiji Government and Constitution Overview

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is local government and who is an example of it?

Local government refers to the people who make decisions or pass laws in a small area, such as a town council.

Which ministry oversees local government in Fiji?

Local government is overseen by the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment.

What is the role of the department related to Town and Country Planning?

The role of the department is to provide policy direction and monitor the performance of governing authorities at the local level.

Identify one department under the Ministry of Local Government besides Town and Country Planning.

One department is the Department of Housing. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the governing authorities at the local level in Fiji?

The governing authorities at the local level are the Municipal Councils of Fiji. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the geographical area where Joseva lives.

Joseva lives on Brown Street in Toorak, near the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of local government to communities?

Local government is important for making decisions that affect community development and welfare. Signup and view all the answers

In which class is Joseva currently enrolled?

Joseva is in year 4. Signup and view all the answers

What are two ways to conserve fresh water resources?

Reducing water waste and reusing greywater are two effective ways to conserve fresh water resources. Signup and view all the answers

Name one endangered sea resource and one extinct sea resource.

The Bluefin Tuna is an endangered sea resource, while the Dodo Fish is considered extinct. Signup and view all the answers

List two recreational activities associated with the sea.

Surfing and scuba-diving are two popular recreational activities associated with the sea. Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of sustainable resource management?

Sustainable resource management ensures long-term availability of resources for future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in Fiji's history occurred on October 10, 1970?

Fiji gained independence from British rule. Signup and view all the answers

How did ancestors protect marine resources from overuse?

Ancestors implemented taboos and designated harvesting seasons to protect marine resources from overuse. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first President of Fiji after it became a Republic?

Rt. Sir Penaia Ganilau. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Group Against Racial Discrimination (GARD)?

GARD aimed to oppose the unilaterally imposed constitution and restore the 1970 constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss one consequence of overusing marine resources.

Overusing marine resources can lead to depletion of fish populations and disruption of marine ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What was the year when Fiji was readmitted to the Commonwealth?

<ol start="2001"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals do to mitigate overfishing?

Individuals can mitigate overfishing by adhering to catch limits and supporting sustainable fishing practices. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Rabuka take in 1995 regarding constitutional matters?

Rabuka established the Constitutional Review Commission in 1995. Signup and view all the answers

What role does tourism play in the conservation of coastal resources?

Tourism promotes awareness and funding for conservation initiatives related to coastal resources. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutional change was introduced during the 2014 general elections in Fiji?

The 'one person, one vote' system was implemented. Signup and view all the answers

Who became the first Prime Minister of Indian descent in Fiji and in what year did this occur?

Mahendra Chaudhry became the first Prime Minister of Indian descent in 1999. Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred on May 19, 2000, and who instigated it?

A civilian coup d'état instigated by George Speight occurred on May 19, 2000. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Constitution in Fiji?

It serves as the Supreme Law that governs the country. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to individuals who do not respect and obey the law in Fiji?

They are arrested and charged by the police. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the High Court's ruling on November 15, 2000?

The High Court ordered the reinstatement of the constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Who became the Prime Minister of Fiji after the elections held under the new constitution in 1992?

Sitiveni Rabuka. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Commodore Bainimarama execute a coup against the Qarase government?

Bainimarama executed a coup against the Qarase government on December 5, 2006. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility do members of Parliament have concerning the Constitution?

They must take an oath to uphold it. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Ratu Josefa Iloilo take in April 2009 following the Court of Appeal's ruling?

Iloilo suspended all judges and withdrew the constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What happened following Bainimarama's coup in December 2006 regarding his position?

Bainimarama was restored as Prime Minister and his Cabinet was reinstalled. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of family as a social group in a person's life?

Family is the first social group where one learns interaction rules and social norms. Signup and view all the answers

How do peer groups influence individuals during childhood and adolescence?

Peer groups significantly influence social skill development and leadership abilities during childhood and adolescence. Signup and view all the answers

What role do teams play in the development of social connections?

Teams provide a platform to form friendships and develop leadership and teamwork skills. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how clubs can enhance social interactions among members.

Clubs bring together individuals with similar interests, fostering opportunities for interaction and friendship. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common advantages of being part of social groups?

Advantages of social groups include emotional support, shared interests, and the opportunity to learn social skills. Signup and view all the answers

What are potential disadvantages that individuals might face in social groups?

Potential disadvantages include peer pressure, exclusion, and conflict within the group. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to save time and money as resources?

Saving time and money is crucial for ensuring future stability and the ability to meet personal goals. Signup and view all the answers

What similarities or differences might exist between your social groups and those of a friend?

Similarities may include shared interests, while differences could relate to group composition or activities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Local Government

Is defined as the people with the right to make decisions or pass laws in a small area
Example: Town council
Local government is under the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment
The department also provides policy direction and monitors the performance of the National Fire Authority

Fiji's Independence

Occurred on 10th October, 1970
Fiji became independent from British rule after 96 years
Fiji now depends on itself for development and growth

Government Administration

Members of Parliament, including Cabinet Ministers and members of the Opposition, make laws to run the country
The law is called the Constitution
Everyone has to live according to the Constitution
People who don't respect or obey the law are arrested and charged by the police

The Importance of a Constitution

A Constitution is a set of laws that governs a country
It is the Supreme Law of the Land
The principle of the rule of law applies equally to everyone and that no one is above the law
All the people must always obey and respect the constitution

Our Resources: Overusing or Sustaining

Overuse means overdo, misuse or taking more than enough.
Sustain means taking care of something so that it lives long and does not die early.
People in the past had a close relationship with land, sea and water
They depended on its resources for their living
They had certain rules in place to protect the misuse of their resources
Our ancestors had put in place taboos on how these resources should be used
Most of the resources had their own harvesting seasons
Today, people are misusing resources by gathering more than enough fish from the sea, cutting more than enough mangroves for houses, roads and farms.

Home is often the first place where a person receives social attention.
Family is our first social group
Peer groups are made up of people who are usually the same age
Peer groups are important throughout a person’s life, especially during childhood and adolescence. Teams are a place to form connections and friendships
Clubs create a social environment by bringing together people who have similar interests.
Other groups that we can be a member of are our cultural group and even gender.
All social groups should learn to spend money wisely and save their resources for future needs.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers key aspects of Fiji's local government structure, its journey to independence, and the significance of the Constitution in governing the nation. Participants will explore how laws are established and the importance of adhering to the Constitution in Fiji. Test your knowledge on the critical components of governance in Fiji!