Joseph Saye Guannu. Liberian Civics. Newedition. Star 8001<5

Transcription

1 Joseph Saye Guannu Liberian Civics Newedition * Star 8001<5

2 Contents Preface! About the author t The nation and its past lntroduction Location, people and origin of Liberia The founding of Liberia The early governments of Liberia The challenge of nation-building What is civics? Who is a citizen? 2 The (onstitution of Liberia lntroduction Provisions of the Constitution 3 The Government of Liberia National government The nature and purpose of government Systems of government Branches of the Liberian government A The Legislative B The Executive The ministries of government and their functions Other institutions of government Presidential succession Presidents of Liberia between 1848 and 1980 C The Judiciary The principle of separation of powers and system of checks and balances Localgovernment Short history The major political sub-divisions vii viii ix 8 15 iii

3 Llberlan C!VICS Strueture of loeal government Problems and prospeets of loeal government 4 The economy of Liberia 40 Introduetion What is eeonomics? How economics are organized The base of the Liberian economy Budget Money Economie freedoms of Liberian citizens Government and the free enterprise system 5 Political parties and interest groups 45 Politieal parties The Constitution on political parties What is a political party? The development of politieal parties in Liberia Kinds of party The organization of politieal parties Becoming decision-makers The eleetion process A guide for voters When is an election free and fair? Major elections in Liberian history Interest groups Definition of an interest group The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) The National Teaehers' Association of Liberia (NTAL) The Liberian National Students' Union (LNSU) 6 The rights and duties of Liberian citizens 59 iv Fundamental Introduetion Definition of right Major kinds of right rights of the Liberian people

4 Llbenall C1vl(~ The fundamental rights and freedoms of Liberian citizens Civic duties and responsibilities of Liberian citizens Serving the public Payment of taxes Payment for public services Due regard for constituted authority Respect for public property Promoting the image of government Cooperation with government Responsibilities of Liberian citizens 7 National symbols and holidays Definition of a symbol National symbols of Liberia The llag The seal of Liberia Patriotic songs National holidays of Liberia New Year's Day,]anuary 1 Inauguration Day Armed Forces Day, February 11 Decoration Day ]oseph ]enkins Roberts' Memorial Birthday, March 15 Fast and Prayer Day National Unillcation Day, May 24 Independence Day,]uly 26 Flag Day, August 24 Thanksgiving Day PresidentTubman'sBirthday, November 29 Christmas Day, December 25 Relations with other states National interest, foreign policy and diplomacy The League of Nations The United Nations The Organization of African Unity The African Union v

5 The Economic Community of West African States The Mano River Union Implementing Liberian foreign policy 9 Building democracy in Liberia 80 Principal causes of the Civil War Management of the Civil War Resolution of the conrict Impact of the Civil War Rulers of Liberia between 1980 and 2006 The General and Presidential Elections of 2005 The issues The candidates Theoutcome Building democracy in Liberia Rule of the majority Responsiveness to needs of citizens Freedom Compromise Ruleoflaw Respect for privacy Diffusion of power 10 Appendices 90 Appendix 1 The Constitution of Liberia (1986) Appendix 2 The Liberian National Anthem Appendix 3 The Lone Star Forever Appendix 4 National holidays of Liberia Glossary Bibliography vi