PUB1501 MAY/JUNE EXAM
FOR SEMESTER 1 2025
FEND TUTORIALS
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Difference between “Government” and “State” (10 Marks)
Government refers to the institution or group of people who are temporarily in
power to administer and enforce laws, manage public policy, and direct the affairs of a
country. Governments are elected or appointed, and they can change with elections or
political shift whereas State, on the other hand, is a permanent political organization
with defined borders, a population, a government, and the ability to enter into relations
with other states. The state exists regardless of who is in power.
Examples:
In South Africa, the state includes all public institutions such as Parliament,
courts, public schools, and the military. The government refers to the current
ruling party, such as the African National Congress (ANC) and its ministers,
including the President.
In the United States, the government under President Joe Biden is different
from the government under Donald Trump, but the state remains the same.
1.2 Forms of Government (15 Marks)
Forms of government refer to the various systems by which countries are governed.
These forms determine how power is distributed and exercised.
Examples of Forms of Government:
1. Democracy – Power lies with the people who elect representatives.
o Example: South Africa, United Kingdom.
2. Monarchy – Rule by a king or queen, often hereditary.
o Example: Saudi Arabia (absolute monarchy), United Kingdom
(constitutional monarchy).
3. Dictatorship – Power is held by a single ruler or a small group, often taken by
force.
o Example: North Korea under Kim Jong-un.
4. Theocracy – Rule by religious leaders or based on religious laws.
o Example: Iran, where Islamic law governs.
5. Communism – State controls all property and economic resources.
o Example: Cuba, China (though it incorporates capitalist policies today).
6. Federalism – A system where power is shared between a central government
and regional governments.
o Example: United States, South Africa.
FOR SEMESTER 1 2025
FEND TUTORIALS
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Difference between “Government” and “State” (10 Marks)
Government refers to the institution or group of people who are temporarily in
power to administer and enforce laws, manage public policy, and direct the affairs of a
country. Governments are elected or appointed, and they can change with elections or
political shift whereas State, on the other hand, is a permanent political organization
with defined borders, a population, a government, and the ability to enter into relations
with other states. The state exists regardless of who is in power.
Examples:
In South Africa, the state includes all public institutions such as Parliament,
courts, public schools, and the military. The government refers to the current
ruling party, such as the African National Congress (ANC) and its ministers,
including the President.
In the United States, the government under President Joe Biden is different
from the government under Donald Trump, but the state remains the same.
1.2 Forms of Government (15 Marks)
Forms of government refer to the various systems by which countries are governed.
These forms determine how power is distributed and exercised.
Examples of Forms of Government:
1. Democracy – Power lies with the people who elect representatives.
o Example: South Africa, United Kingdom.
2. Monarchy – Rule by a king or queen, often hereditary.
o Example: Saudi Arabia (absolute monarchy), United Kingdom
(constitutional monarchy).
3. Dictatorship – Power is held by a single ruler or a small group, often taken by
force.
o Example: North Korea under Kim Jong-un.
4. Theocracy – Rule by religious leaders or based on religious laws.
o Example: Iran, where Islamic law governs.
5. Communism – State controls all property and economic resources.
o Example: Cuba, China (though it incorporates capitalist policies today).
6. Federalism – A system where power is shared between a central government
and regional governments.
o Example: United States, South Africa.
