Thursday, April 24, 2014

civics summary

Form 1
1.1.0 Our nation
1.1.1 Components of our nation
Civics - Is the subject which deals with the study of duties, rights and responsibilities of citizens in a country
Nation - A large group or community of people living together in a defined geographical area
Nationalism - Is the political will of a nation to unite and fight against foreign rule with the intention of ruling themselves
National Language - Is the language which has been chosen and accepted to be used in national matters
Language - Is a learned, shared and arbitrary system of vocal or written symbols through which human beings communicate with one another
Components of a nation - Government, people, territory
Symbols of national sovereignty - National flag, coat of arms, currency, constitution
Factors affecting national sovereignty - Pressure groups, conflicts, civil wars, poverty
Importance of the National Flag to Tanzania - Symbol of the nation, shows national independence and sovereignty, a seal of the president and government, state symbol for the president/country/citizens, symbol of unity and freedom , symbol of nationality and Tanzanian culture, used during unfortunate events like the death of a state leader
Factors promoting national integrity in Tanzania - Secularism, Kiswahili, Arusha declaration, monopartyism
Benefits of being identified as a citizen of a country - Helps people in the provision of social services, legal way of being recognized as a real citizen, given rights under the law, you are able to be employed in the country, nation can defend you from violence or war
Promotion of national unity is enhanced by - Sports/games, traditions, customs, national language, intermarriage
The union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was influenced by their desires for security
1.1.2 The national symbols
National Symbols - These are things which identify the country as independent and sovereign
Examples of national symbols - National flag, coat of arms, national currency, national constitution, national anthem
Tanzanian flag colours represent - Black - skin, yellow - minerals, blue - water, green - vegetation
The seal of the government is the coat of arms
Coat of arms and national emblem are the same
1.2.0 Promotion of life skills
1.2.1 Meaning and types
Life Skills - Is the mental knowledge and ability applied by an individual to control themselves and their environment in a beneficial way
List of life skills - Self esteem, assertiveness, problem solving, self awareness, thinking, meditation, arguing well, decision making, planning, determination, good relationships
Sources of life skills - Parents, government, religion, school
Communication - Is the process which involves the transferring of information from one person to another
Creative Thinking - The ability to find new ways to solve problems
Decision Making - The ability to select a course of action among possible alternatives
Self-confidence - Having confidence in ones own capability to succeed in their actions
Skimming for Reading - The process of reading quickly to get the main point of the paragraph or article
Team - Comprises of a group of people linked in a common purpose
Teamwork - The situation whereby people work well together while doing a particular activity
Group - A number of people having some relation to one another
Six classes of drugs - Opiates, sedative-hypnotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabis, inhalants
Problems of drug use - addiction/dependence, acute health problems, dropping out of school, reduces country’s workforce, family conflict, suicide, crime/illegal business, irresponsible sexual behavior
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) - A syndrome that develops after a person has been infected with the HIV virus caused by the virus attacking and weakening the human immune system which has no known cure
Symptoms of HIV - Frequent diarrhea, high fever, vomiting, skin diseases, body weakness4
HIV can be prevented through the following ways - Being faithful, practicing safe sex, using a condom correctly every time, using sterilized needles, using clean blood for blood transfusions
1.3.0 Human rights
1.3.1 Aspects of human rights
Human Rights - Are basic moral rights that all human beings are born with, they are not granted or given or removed by anybody
Examples of human rights - Right to life, right to own property, right to vote and be voted for, freedom of expression and association, freedom of worship, right to education, right to social services, freedom of movement
Abuse of Power - Violation of the law or constitution of the country
Amnesty International - UN’s agency for human rights
Freedoms - Of association, of assembly, of expression
Basic needs of any human - Food, shelter, clothes
Moral Rights - Are rights which are not included officially in the law of the country and one can not claim them in the court of law
Moral, social, and cultural rights - Are rights which are not included officially in the law of the country and one cannot claim them in a court of law
Pan Africanism - Brought human rights/freedoms/equality/democracy to Africa
Importance of Human rights - Helps to bring equality, avoid discrimination and oppression, helps in the provision of social services, helps in the provision of employment, improves standard of living in the country, brings more freedom to the citizens
Steps taken by the government of Tanzania in promoting human rights in the country - Establishment of NGOs, establishment of a human rights commission, mass education on the importance of promoting and preserving human rights, punishing those who violate human rights, promoting and maintaining defense and security
Example of economic rights - To own property
Tanzanian institutions responsible for promoting or protecting human rights - TAMWA, TAWLA, TGNP, Haki Elimu, Judiciary, Tanzania Society of the Lawyers, TUCTA
Reproductive right is a legal right, whereas the right to life is a constitutional right
1.3.2 Limitations of individual human rights
Arson - Unlawful setting of fire of structures or buildings
Bail - The release by the police or court of a person held in legal custody while awaiting trial or appealing against criminal conviction
Defendant - A person against whom court proceedings are brought
Laws - Are formulations of rule of behavior enforced by a special authority
Plaintiff - A person applying for relief against another person in an action suit, petition
Prosecutor - A person who brings a case to court
Rape - Unlawful sexual act by a man without a woman’s consent
Rule of Law - Laws should be enforced equally, fairly and consistently to all
Causes of crime in Tanzania - Poverty, lack of education, growing population, ineffective police protection, little chance of being caught or punished
Why there are higher crime rates in cities - Overpopulation, higher unemployment, poverty, weakening of moral values
Ways to reduce crime in the country - Create employment opportunities, improve & strengthen police protection, provision of effective punishments to criminals, provision of proper education
The punishment for manslaughter is life imprisonment
1.3.3 Human rights abuse
Human Rights Abuse - Are all actions which when practiced by people or governments which violate human rights (ex. beating women, raping, killing old people, forced marriage)
1.4.0 Responsible citizenship
1.4.1 Concept of citizenship
Citizen - A person who is accepted and belongs to the a particular country
Citizenship - A condition or state of being a citizen of a particular country
1.4.2 Citizenship responsibilities5
Responsibilities of a good citizen - Duty to respect other peoples rights, duty to watch & give opinions on government process/activities, voting, paying taxes, working, participating in community activities
Ways of acquiring citizenship in Tanzania - Birth, by descent, by registration
1.4.3 Responsibilities to special groups including HIV/AIDS victims
Responsibilities to HIV/AIDS victims - Not to isolate them (stigmatization), advise them to attend treatment at medical centers, to advise them to attend counseling and guidance, to provide them with a balanced diet
1.5.0 Work
1.5.1 The concept of work
Work - Man’s purposeful activity in the production of goods or services or the use of physical strength and mental skills in the making of things or providing services. (ex. farming, fishing, carpentry, trading, teaching, nursing, brick making, livestock keeping, etc)
Types of work - Physical work (ex. brick making), mental work (ex. teaching)
1.5.2 Importance of work
Importance of work - Source of income, provides humans with basic needs like food/shelter/clothes, prevention of crime, advancement in science and technology, source of foreign exchange
1.6.0 Family life
1.6.1 Courtship and marriage
Adolescent - A transitional stage of physical and mental human development between puberty and adulthood
Courtship - Before marriage a man and a woman pass through this period
Marriage - Legally bonded relationship between a man and a woman as husband and wife
Three types of marriage - Traditional, religious, and civil marriage
To establish a civil marriage - Approval by district commissioner (DC)
To establish a traditional marriage - Use of traditional laws
To establish a religious marriage - Use religious customs
Adoption - A situation where parents keep children lawfully who are not their offspring
Family Planning - Is the planning of when to have children and how many children to have
Polyandry - Two or more husbands at the same time
Monogamy - A marriage involving only one husband or wife
Polygamy - A marriage involving two or more wives or husbands
1.6.2 The concept of family
Nuclear family - Father, mother (wives), children
Importance of family - Teaches us good morals & code of conduct, gives us identity, teaches us patriotism, we learn love and care for one another, it is a source of basic education, it gives us knowledge about state, government and ideologies
1.6.3 Rights and responsibilities of family members
Responsibilities of a father - To make decisions as the head of family, organize family activities, providing security for the family, to teach children customs and traditions, to maintain family discipline and peace, provide requirements to family members (food/clothes/shelter)
Responsibilities of a mother - Organizes family activities, giving birth and providing parental care, taking care of husband and children, assist the father in running the family, a bridge of love between parents and children
Responsibilities of children - To assist with domestic work, a bond of love and joy in a family, assisting in taking care of younger brothers and sisters
1.7.0 Proper behaviour and responsible decision making
1.7.1 Meaning and types of behaviour
Behaviour - The way one acts towards other people
Types of behaviour - Proper, improper6
1.7.2 Elements of proper behaviour
Elements of proper behaviour - Love, peace, respect, responsibility, cooperation
Elements of improper behaviour - Aggression, segregation, violence, arrogance, excessive drunkenness, irresponsibility, use of abusive language, killing, stealing, raping, corruption
1.7.3 Responsible decision making
Responsible Decision Making - A process whereby every member of a society feels responsible to participate in planning, formulation of policies and implementation for development
1.8.0 Road safety education
1.8.1 Importance of road/traffic signs
Road - A prepared surface on which vehicles and pedestrians move from one place to another
Road Safety - A state of being safe from dangers when using a road
Road Traffic Signs - The symbols or marks used to instruct drivers what to do
Importance of road traffic signs - Guide drivers where to go, warn drivers about corners, construction zones, people, minimize road accidents caused by speed, regulate traffic flow/speed, ensures safe driving and proper road usage
Examples of road traffic signs - Zebra cross, slow down, stop, give way, no turn, no parking
1.8.2 Causes of road accidents
Causes of road accidents - Excessive driving speed, drunkenness, not using a seatbelt, improper use of traffic lights, driving by unqualified drivers, poor road quality, talking on a mobile phone while driving
1.8.3 Prevention of road accidents
Prevention of road accidents - Proper use of road traffic signs, being strict about driving speed, road maintenance, law enforcement, education about road traffic signs
Form 2
2.1.0 Promotion of life skills
2.1.1 Social problem solving techniques
Steps of problem solving and decision making:
1. Identify the problem
2. Problem Analysis and clarification
3. Reviewing alternative solutions
4. Choosing a solution
5. Implementing a solution
6. Evaluation
The purpose of problem solving is to get the best possible solution
2.2.0 Government of Tanzania
2.2.1 Government
Government - Is a group of people within a community or nation who have the power and authority of performing administrative functions like planning, making decisions or implementing policies
Responsibilities of the President - Head of State, Head of Government Affairs, Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, Head of Public Service
Sovereignty - Freedom from foreign influence and domination
External sources of government revenue - Non-payable: Grants from donor countries
Payable: IMF loan, loans from central government/Word Bank, Domestic loans
Importance of taxes in Tanzania - Chief source of government income, used to pay various government employees, helps government to make good decisions, facility wealth redistribution, helps to estimate economic state of the country
List of ministries under the Union Government of Tanzania - Security and Defense, Home Affairs, Finance, Science Technology and Higher Education
Aristocracy/Oligarchy - A type of dictatorship where a few persons form and control the government
Dictatorship - A type of government where a single person or small group of people control all aspects of the country7
Unicameral - A type of government with one house of parliament
Public Transport - Shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy
2.2.2 Constitution
Constitution - A body of rules and principles by which a country is governed
According to the constitution the parliament consists of the president and national assembly
One of the features of a typical constitution is that it spells out the composition and functions of the government
One of the advantages of an unwritten constitution is that it is flexible
2.2.3 Local government
Structure of local government in Tanzania -
Village government - Village assembly, village council, committees (finance and economic planning, defense and security, social services and self reliance, VEO
Ward government - Ward development committee, departments of agriculture/education/finance/health/livestock/social welfare, WEO
District local government - District council, district executive officer (DED), district committees, departments, councilors
Urban - Town council, municipal council, city council
Mandatory functions of local governments in Tanzania - Provision of social services, maintenance of law and order, promotion of social and economic welfare and the wellbeing of people, collecting and proper utilization of taxes, making of bylaws, coordination of projects and plans, facilitate representative democracy
Local Governments are important institutions for facilitating participatory democracy
The proper officer in charge of District council is the District Executive Director
The regional commissioner is appointed by the head of state and government
2.2.4 Central government
Taxes - Taxes are fees/levies imposed by the government upon its people as a source of government revenue or income
Direct Tax - Is paid by people employed by the government or private sector (income tax)
Indirect Tax - Comes from import and export duties, fees, fines
VAT (Value Added Tax) - Source of government revenues
Major sources of national income in Tanzania - Taxes, rents, fees, tariffs, customs, borrowing, aid, sale of government assets, government activities (ex mining, fishing, industry, oil, agriculture)
Bill - A proposal for a new law
Judiciary - The organ of the government which interprets the law of the country
The parliament should limit and control the powers and actions of the executive government branch
The Parliament of Tanzania is unicameral
The parliament is called legislature because it enacts laws
The three branches of government are - Legislative, judicial, executive
One of the functions of judiciary is to interpret laws
2.2.5 Tanganyika/Zanzibar union
What a United Republic means in Tanzania - It refers to the union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika under Julius Nyerere of Tanganyika and Abeid Amani Karume of Zanzibar in 1964
The union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was influenced by their desires for security
2.2.6 Union affairs in the central government
According to the constitution of Tanzania the union matters are - Statistics, higher education, research, defense, currency, constitution and governance, foreign affairs, police, declaration of state emergency, citizenship, migration, international trade and loans, income tax, court of appeals, registration of polities, NECTA
Non union matters - Local government affairs, road maintenance and travel, agriculture/livestock/fishing, trade and small scale industries, prisons
2.3.0 Democracy
2.3.1 Types of democracy
Democracy - A type of government where the people in power were chosen by the population through elections8
Representative democracy - Involves few people who are elected to represent others in decision making discussions, they rule on behalf of others
Parliamentary Democracy - Is a form of governance in which people, through their votes, elect members of the parliament
Participatory Democracy - Is where people directly engage in decision making discussions
Importance of democratic leadership - Promotes freedom of speech/religion/opinion, promotes accountability and transparency, promotes good governance, promotes rule of law, brings equality and justice, guarantee basic human rights, leads to development
Role of the press in enhancing democracy - Allows opposition to have a voice, spreads information, bringing awareness to the people, advise the government, provide information to the people about the actions of the government
Differentiate democratic government from non-democratic government - Democratic Government
Non-democratic Government

• Leaders enter in power through free and fair elections
• Freedom of opinion/worship/ speech/association
• Existence of rule of law
• Guarantee of basic human rights
• The leader is a servant of the people
• Transparency and accountability
• No one is above the law


• No free and fair elections
• No freedom of opinion/worship/ speech/association
• Rule of law is not respected
• No guarantee of basic human rights
• The leader is not a servant of the people
• No transparency or accountability
• Leaders are above the law



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