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What civics is, the state and its four elements, sovereignty, and the three organs of the state.
9 of 9 civics, the state & its organs
Definition, nature, scope and significance
Civics is the study of citizenship: the rights and duties of citizens, how the state and government are organized, and how citizens take part in the life of their community, country and world.
Definitions and the four elements
The state is a community of people permanently living in a definite territory, with an organized government, and possessing sovereignty, that is, independence from external control and supreme authority within.
Meaning, characteristics, kinds and the Islamic concept
Sovereignty is the supreme, final and legal authority of the state over all persons and associations within its territory, and its independence from any external control.
Differences explained
State, government, nation and society are related but distinct concepts. Confusing them leads to mistakes in understanding politics and citizenship.
Legislature, executive and judiciary
The government of a modern state works through three organs: the legislature, which makes laws; the executive, which implements them; and the judiciary, which interprets them and delivers justice.
Functions, kinds and Pakistan's parliament
The legislature is the representative organ of the state that makes laws, controls public finance and holds the executive accountable. In a democracy it is the most direct expression of the people's will.
Functions, kinds and the civil service
The executive is the organ of government that enforces laws, runs the administration, conducts foreign relations, commands the armed forces and provides public services.
Functions, independence and Pakistan's courts
The judiciary is the organ of the state that interprets laws, decides disputes, protects citizens' rights and ensures that the other organs act within the constitution.
Montesquieu's theory, checks and balances
The separation of powers is the principle that the legislative, executive and judicial powers of government should be held by separate bodies, each able to check the others, so that no person or body becomes all-powerful.