Definition of Government and Politics
Politics
Politics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or influence
governance decisions.
It involves debates, elections, policymaking, power struggles, and ideological conflicts.
Politics exists in all forms of society, including governments, organizations, and even daily life (e.g., office
politics).
Government
Government is a formal system or institution that creates and enforces laws, maintains order, and provides
public services.
It consists of different branches, such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Governments can be democratic, authoritarian, federal, unitary, etc.
Characteristics of Government and Politics
Characteristics of Government
1. Authority & Sovereignty – The government has legal power over a defined territory.
2. Law & Order – Governments enforce laws to maintain stability.
3. Public Services – They provide infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
4. Taxation & Revenue Collection – Funds are gathered to finance state functions.
5. Policy-Making – Governments create policies to address national and international issues.
6. Monopoly of Force – The government controls armed forces and law enforcement.
Characteristics of Politics
1. Power & Influence – Politics determines who holds power and how decisions are made.
2. Conflict & Negotiation – Different groups compete for political control.
3. Public Participation – Citizens engage through voting, protests, and lobbying.
4. Ideologies & Political Parties – Politics is shaped by ideologies (e.g., liberalism, socialism).
5. Policy Implementation – Political decisions affect governance and daily life.
6. International Relations – Politics also includes foreign policy and diplomacy
Types of Political Systems in the World and Pakistan
1. Democracy
Definition: A system where people elect their leaders through free and fair elections. Power is distributed
among institutions, and citizens have fundamental rights.
Characteristics:
1. Free elections
2. Rule of law
3. Protection of human rights
4. Separation of powers (Executive, Legislative, Judiciary)
Examples:
1. United States, United Kingdom, India
2. Pakistan (Hybrid Democracy with Military Influence)
2. Autocracy (Dictatorship)
Definition: A system where power is concentrated in one ruler or a small group without democratic elections.
Characteristics:
o No political competition
o Strict control over media and opposition
o Limited civil liberties
Examples:
o North Korea (Kim Jong Un’s rule)
o Saudi Arabia (Absolute Monarchy)
3. Military Rule (Military Dictatorship)
Definition: A government controlled by the military, often after a coup. Civilian rule is suspended or
suppressed.
Characteristics:
o Military leaders hold executive power
o Political parties and civil liberties are restricted
o Governance through martial law or decrees
Examples:
o Pakistan (Past military regimes: Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, Pervez Musharraf)
o Myanmar (Since 2021 military coup)
4. Monarchy
Definition: A system where a king or queen rules, sometimes with constitutional limits.
Types:
o Absolute Monarchy – Monarch has full power (e.g., Saudi Arabia)
o Constitutional Monarchy – Monarch is symbolic; power lies with elected leaders (e.g., UK)
Examples:
o United Kingdom, Japan (Constitutional)
o Saudi Arabia, Brunei (Absolute)
5. One-Party Rule
Definition: A system where only one political party is allowed to govern. Opposition is banned or controlled.
Characteristics:
o No free elections or competition
o State-controlled economy and media
o Party ideology dominates governance
Examples:
o China (Communist Party Rule)
o Cuba (Communist Party of Cuba)
6. Theocracy
Definition: A system where religious leaders control the government based on religious laws.
Characteristics:
o Laws based on religious doctrines
o No separation of church and state
o Religious leaders hold political power
Examples:
o Iran (Islamic Republic with Supreme Leader)
o Vatican City (Pope as Head of State)
Political System of Pakistan
1. Parliamentary Democracy
Pakistan follows a federal parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the head of government, and the
President is the ceremonial head of state. However, the military has historically influenced politics.
Key Features of Pakistan’s Political System:
1. Elected Parliament (National Assembly & Senate)
2. Prime Minister as Head of Government
3. Judiciary for legal interpretation
4. Influence of the military and bureaucracy
5. Frequent military interventions in history (1958, 1977, 1999 coups)
6. Political instability and coalition governments
