Scribd
Upload
35 views3 pages

Understanding Government in Trinidad and Tobago

The document outlines the structure and functions of government, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago, where a democratic government is elected by the people through free and fair elections. It details the electoral process, including the role of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, the requirements for candidates, and the voting process. Additionally, it explains the significance of political parties and their manifestos in the election campaign.

Uploaded by

jatana3148
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Elections and Boundaries Commi…,
  • Civic Engagement,
  • Electorate,
  • Political Activism,
  • Public Participation,
  • Voter ID,
  • Election Monitoring,
  • Electoral Process,
  • Voter Registration,
  • Civic Duties
35 views3 pages

Understanding Government in Trinidad and Tobago

The document outlines the structure and functions of government, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago, where a democratic government is elected by the people through free and fair elections. It details the electoral process, including the role of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, the requirements for candidates, and the voting process. Additionally, it explains the significance of political parties and their manifestos in the election campaign.

Uploaded by

jatana3148
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Elections and Boundaries Commi…,
  • Civic Engagement,
  • Electorate,
  • Political Activism,
  • Public Participation,
  • Voter ID,
  • Election Monitoring,
  • Electoral Process,
  • Voter Registration,
  • Civic Duties

Thursday, 11th January, 2024

Social Studies
Government
What is Government?
A government is a group of people who manage the affairs of the country.
A government is responsible for:
a. Planning for development
b. Manage the finances
c. Preserve law and order
d. Look after the welfare of citizens

Government in Trinidad and Tobago.


In Trinidad and Tobago we have a democratic government.
A democratic government is one that is chosen by the people, from the
people and works for the people.
A democratic government is chosen via free and fair elections and
guarantees that all the rights of citizens found in the constitution are
respected.

Choosing Our Government.


According to the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, general elections
must be held every five years to elect a new government.
The electorate cast their votes through the use of the secret ballot system.

Key Ideas related to Government.


Electorate – All citizens who are 18 years and over can exercise their right
to vote; this is called suffrage or franchise.
Elections and Boundaries Commission – E.B.C.
The E.B.C is responsible for conducting the elections. They perform the
following duties:
a. Fix the political boundaries for various constituencies (41).
b. Register electors
c. Prepare the electoral list
d. Arrange for polling stations and employees to work there.

Political Parties
A group of people who wish to form the government can organise
themselves into a political party. The persons in the political party who
want to become representatives for a particular constituency is called a
candidate.

Candidate
A candidate must be:
1. A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago
2. 18 years and over
3. Must have lived in Trinidad and Tobago for two years before the
elections.

Thursday, 18th January, 2024


Social Studies
Government
Further definitions:
The Manifesto:
The plans that a political party has for the development of the country for
a five year period is communicated to the electorate, before elections, in
the form of a manifesto.
Political Meetings.
In order to get support, political parties host political meetings in various
constituencies. At these political meetings the party does the following:
• Introduce the candidate to the constituents
• Share their ideas from the manifesto
Often, to get further support a party can have motorcades, they can
advertise using various media forms; all of this referred to as campaigning.

The Voting Process.


On election day, polling stations are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Electors
go to the polling station with their ID card and Polling Card.
An official from the EBC will check these documents and locate the
person’s name on the electoral list. If everything is in order, the person is
allowed to cast their vote.
The person goes to a polling booth and places an X next to the candidate
of their choice. Next, they fold their ballot paper and proceed to dip their
right index finger in ink and then place the ballot paper in the ballot box.
At the close of the polls, the ballot boxes are taken to special locations
and opened. The votes are counted. The candidate with the greatest
number of votes wins the election for that constituency and becomes the
Representative of that constituency in Parliament.
The political party that wins the most constituencies forms the new
government. This is called the ‘first past the post system’.
The losing party forms the opposition in parliament.

You might also like