Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE.
1.1 The National Council of Provinces ensures that provinces are taken into account at a national level.
The correct answer is TRUE. The National Council of Provinces represents the provinces at the national level in South Africa, ensuring that their interests are considered in the legislative process.
1.2 A person can lose South African citizenship if they accept citizenship of another country.
The correct answer is FALSE. South Africa allows dual citizenship, and acquiring the citizenship of another country does not automatically result in the loss of South African citizenship.
1.3 The functions of Parliament are guided by the principles of the Constitution.
The correct answer is TRUE. The Constitution of South Africa provides the framework for the functions and powers of Parliament, ensuring alignment with constitutional principles..
1.4 The South African government has to follow policies of international bodies as they set standards in certain fields.
The correct answer is TRUE. South Africa often aligns its policies with international standards set by various bodies to promote cooperation and conformity in specific areas.
1.5 The government is not accountable to the people who voted for them in a democratic state.
The correct answer is FALSE. In a democratic state like South Africa, the government is accountable to the people who elected them, and they are expected to uphold democratic principles
.
1.6 The Rule of Law states that the law has the highest authority in our country.
The correct answer is TRUE. The Rule of Law asserts that the law is supreme, and everyone, including the government, is subject to the law.
1.7 The Premier is one of the special delegates of the National Council of Provinces.
The correct answer is TRUE. The Premier of a province is one of the special delegates representing that province in the National Council of Provinces.
1.8 The High Court is the Highest Court of Appeal in all issues except constitutional issues.
The correct answer is FALSE. The Constitutional Court is the highest court of appeal for constitutional matters in South Africa.
1.9 A private owner is usually the main shareholder and custodian of a state-owned enterprise.
The correct answer is FALSE. State-owned enterprises are owned by the state, not private individuals. The government is typically the main shareholder and custodian.
1.10 The notification function is an auxiliary function that deals with decision-making and conducting meetings.
The correct answer is FALSE. The notification function typically refers to the process of informing individuals or parties about decisions or events, and it is not an auxiliary function related to decision-making or conducting meetings.
1.11 The purpose of private administration is to achieve government objectives and satisfy the needs of the people.
FALSE: The purpose of private administration is not to achieve government objectives but rather to manage and administer private entities, such as businesses, organizations, or non-profit institutions. Private administration is concerned with meeting the goals and objectives set by the private entity itself, not those of the government.
1.12 In the camaraderie family unit system the husband is the sole breadwinner and decision maker in the family.
FALSE: In the camaraderie family unit system, decision-making and breadwinning are not solely the responsibilities of the husband. The term “camaraderie” suggests a sense of equality and mutual support within the family unit, where decisions and financial responsibilities may be shared among family members regardless of gender.
1.13 The rule of law ensures that the people or citizens have the highest authority in South Africa.
FALSE: The rule of law does not imply that citizens have the highest authority in South Africa. Instead, it refers to the principle that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law. In South Africa, as in most countries, the ultimate authority lies with the constitution and the legal system, not with individual citizens.
1.14 The electoral system in South Africa provides that a democratic election must be held at all three levels of government.
TRUE: The electoral system in South Africa does indeed require democratic elections to be held at all three levels of government: national, provincial, and local.
1.15 The interim constitution became the fundamental law of South Africa after the 1994 elections.
TRUE: After the 1994 elections, South Africa did indeed adopt an interim constitution, which served as the fundamental law of the country until the final constitution was enacted in 1996.
1.16 The National Assembly usually elects a speaker from one of the minority parties.
FALSE: It is not usual for the National Assembly to elect a speaker from one of the minority parties. Typically, the speaker of the National Assembly in South Africa is elected from the majority party or coalition.
1.17 The president has the power to pardon or reprieve offenders.
TRUE: The president of South Africa does have the power to pardon or reprieve offenders, as part of their executive authority.
1.18 The Oscar Pistorius case is a good example of the judiciary authority in South Africa.
TRUE: The Oscar Pistorius case, involving the South African athlete convicted of murder, does serve as an example of the judiciary authority in South Africa, as it went through the legal process and judicial system of the country.
1.19 Ministers are known as the political heads of all state departments.
TRUE: Ministers in South Africa are indeed known as the political heads of all state departments, responsible for overseeing the functions and policies of their respective departments.
1.20 Staffing is one of the administrative functions dealing with recruitment and personnel needs.
TRUE: Staffing is indeed one of the administrative functions that deals with recruitment and personnel needs within an organization, including government departments in South Africa.
1.21 A government is a system according to which a state or community is governed.
TRUE: A government indeed functions as a system by which a state or community is governed. It encompasses various institutions, processes, and individuals responsible for making and implementing decisions for the well-being of the society.
1.22 Family and communities are not always the main building blocks of our society and our country.
FALSE: Families and communities are often considered fundamental building blocks of society and country. They play crucial roles in socialization, support systems, and the transmission of cultural values and norms.
1.23 In South Africa we have a democratic state governed by the Constitution.
TRUE: South Africa operates under a democratic state governed by its Constitution, which outlines the principles, structures, and functions of the government.
1.24 Citizenship can be obtained by a person whose father or mother is South African.
TRUE: South Africa allows for citizenship to be acquired through descent, meaning a person can become a citizen if either of their parents is a South African citizen.
1.25 In South Africa, members of Parliament are only elected by people within government.
FALSE: Members of Parliament in South Africa are elected by the citizens of the country, not solely by people within the government.
1.26 High courts are examples of superior courts in South Africa.
TRUE: High courts in South Africa are indeed examples of superior courts within the country’s judicial system.
1.27 Research is an example of an auxiliary function carried out within government institutions.
TRUE: Research can indeed be considered an auxiliary function carried out within government institutions. Research is often conducted to inform policy-making, improve services, and address various societal issues.
1.28 The premier refers a bill back to the National Assembly for further consideration.
FALSE: Typically, it’s the President who has the authority to refer a bill back to the National Assembly for further consideration, not the premier. The premier is the head of government in a province, not at the national level.
1.29 Ministers are political heads of state-owned enterprises.
FALSE: Ministers in South Africa are not typically the political heads of state-owned enterprises. Instead, state-owned enterprises are often overseen by boards of directors, CEOs, or managing directors.
1.30 The main responsibility of the legislature is to raise or lower taxes as well as to adopt the budget of thee country.
FALSE: While the legislature does play a role in adopting the budget of the country, its main responsibility is broader and includes making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the people. Taxation and budgetary decisions are typically shared responsibilities involving both the executive and legislative branches of government.
1.31 Political office bearers are those officials who have been elected to fill positions in government.
TRUE– Political office bearers are indeed officials who have been elected to fill positions in government. This includes positions such as members of parliament, mayors, councilors, etc.
1.32 The constitution provides for a democratic system and equal voting opportunities for all citizens.
TRUE– Most democratic constitutions, including South Africa’s, indeed provide for a democratic system and equal voting opportunities for all citizens.
1.33 A geographical area cannot be called a state unless it has a permanent government.
TRUE– A geographical area cannot be called a state unless it has a permanent government. A state typically refers to a politically organized territory with its own government.
1.34 The Rule of Law states that the courts of law must operate independently from the legislature and the executive.
TRUE– The Rule of Law does indeed state that the courts of law must operate independently from the legislature and the executive. This separation of powers is fundamental in democratic systems to ensure checks and balances.
1.35 It is the responsibility of each and every individual to check whether his/her name appears on the ballot paper.
FALSE– It is not the responsibility of each and every individual to check whether his/her name appears on the ballot paper. The responsibility typically lies with electoral authorities to maintain accurate voter rolls.
1.36 The National Assembly must discuss issues and bills to make decisions.
TRUE– In a parliamentary system like South Africa’s, the National Assembly must indeed discuss issues and bills to make decisions. This is a fundamental aspect of the legislative process.
1.37 The Executive Committee monitors financial expenditure of the municipality.
TRUE– The Executive Committee, often referred to as the Cabinet at the national level, does indeed monitor financial expenditure of the municipality or government. This is part of their oversight role in managing public funds.
1.38 The cabinet exercises judicial authority in South Africa.
FALSE– The cabinet does not exercise judicial authority in South Africa. The judiciary, separate from the executive and legislative branches, is responsible for interpreting and applying the law.
1.39 The auditor-general receives and investigates complaints from the public regarding the government or officials.
FALSE– The auditor-general typically does not directly receive and investigate complaints from the public regarding the government or officials. Their role is primarily focused on auditing government finances and operations to ensure transparency and accountability.
1.40 Instrumental activities refer to those activities which make it possible for staff members to do their work.
TRUE– Instrumental activities do indeed refer to those activities which make it possible for staff members to do their work. These can include administrative tasks, logistics, support services, etc.