Civics and Ethics (LART 1001) - Study Guide
This study guide covers key concepts, definitions, and topics from Chapter 1:
Understanding Civics and Ethics, and Chapter 2: Understanding State & Government, for
the LART 1001 course.
Chapter 1: Understanding Civics and Ethics
1.1. Understanding the Meaning of Civics, Ethics, and Morality
What is Civics?
• Etymological Origin: The term 'civics' comes from the Latin words 'civis' (citizen) and
'civitas' (city-state).
• Oxford Dictionary Definition: The study of the rights and duties of citizenship.
• UNDP (2004) Definition: Learning for effective participation in democratic and
development processes at both local and national levels.
• General Meaning: The discipline of knowledge dealing with the day-to-day affairs of
the state and its citizens.
Rights and Duties of Citizens
• Rights: Anything entitled/allowed/owed or freedom protection from the state and
respected by others.
• Moral Rights: Based on the moral conscience of the community; no legal force.
• Legal Rights: Recognized and enforced by the state; protected by law, and
violations are punished.
• Civil Rights: Rights of each person to exist in society without unfair treatment or
discrimination; ensure equal social opportunities and protection under the law
(e.g., right to life, freedom of religion, speech, equality before law, access to
social services like healthcare and education).
• Political Rights: Allow individuals/citizens to participate freely in the political
system (e.g., right to vote, get elected, hold public office, form political parties,
peaceful assembly).
• Characteristics of Rights:
• Not absolute or unlimited.
• Universal.
• Dynamic in nature.
• Come with responsibility.
• Can be positive or negative.
• Duties: An obligation; something a citizen is bound to do or not to do by law.
• Rights and duties are interdependent:
Without duties, there can be no rights. What is a right for oneself is a duty towards
others.
• Moral Duties: Discharged based on a citizen's sense of morality; no legal sanction.
• Legal Duties: Recognized and enforced by law; violation leads to punishment (e.g.,
respect the constitution, respect others' rights, pay taxes, fight crime, struggle
against crimes against humanity).
Man as a Social and Political Animal
• "Man is a social animal" (Baruch Spinoza): Humans do not exist alone but always
with others. Life is closely related, and being social is innate. Civics concerns
understanding human relationships in society, harmonious living, peaceful conflict
resolution, and promoting cooperation and coexistence amidst diversity.
• "Man is a political animal" (Aristotle): Humans live in a 'polis' (city-state), a political
partnership where laws enable community survival and individual flourishing. Civics
studies political institutions (legislatures, executive bodies, political parties) to
understand their organization, powers, and functions.
1.2. Origin and Development of Civic and Ethical Education
• Ancient Greek Civilization (Sparta and Athens): Citizens (civitas) had full rights and
received moral education.
• Roman Civilization: Citizenship education was linked to religious institutions due to
their bond with the state. During the medieval period, citizenship and character
education were part of religious education.
• Renaissance: The partnership between state and church separated. Ideas of liberty,
democracy, and constitutionalism gained prominence, freeing Civics and Ethics from
religious interference.
• 18th Century Social Revolutions:
• Britain (1688): Parliament passed the Bill of Rights, establishing individual liberties
and due process. The monarch ruled by consent of Parliament, ending absolute
monarchy and beginning a limited constitutional monarchy with free elections.
•America (1776): Declaration of Independence asserted unalienable rights (life,
liberty, pursuit of happiness) and that government power derives from the consent
of the people.
• France (1789): The revolution's slogan was "Liberty, equality, fraternity!" It brought
freedom of speech, religion, press, property rights, due process, protection from
unfair imprisonment, trial by jury, abolition of special privileges, and equality
before the law.
• Development in Ethiopia:
• Emperor Haile Selassie: Moral education focused on respecting the monarchial
system and divine authority.
• Military Era: Political education promoted socialist views (Marxism-Leninism).
• After 1991: Civic and ethical education became a key subject to inform citizens
about their rights, duties, constitution, democracy, and government system.
• Nomenclature of Civics and Ethics: Varies globally (e.g., "Human society and
environment" in Australia, "Social studies" in Canada, "Citizenship education" in
America, "Civics and Ethical Studies" in Ethiopia).
• Universal Importance: Both democratic and undemocratic, developed or developing
countries offer Civics and Ethics, though content varies based on national philosophy.
1.3. Goals of Civic and Ethical Education
The general goal is to develop active citizen participation. Specifically, it aims to:
• Enhance Civic Responsibilities: Paying taxes, respecting others' democratic rights,
voluntary service, active participation in decision-making, and electoral participation.
• Promote Tolerance: Respect, acceptance of differences, appreciation of cultural
diversity, and accommodation of differences. Essential in diverse societies to prevent
conflict.
• Foster Open-mindedness: Readiness for dialogue, listening to others, and willingness
to change positions. Implies sacrificing individual interests for the common good and
maintaining loyalty.
1.4. Competency of a Good Citizen
This refers to the capacity of citizens to participate effectively in the political system,
requiring minimum competencies:
• Civic Knowledge: What citizens ought to know about their country's social, cultural,
political, environmental, historical, and economic conditions. Understanding
democracy, government, constitution, and the citizen's role.
• Civic Skills: Abilities to put theory into action as active community members. Includes
recognizing moral/ethical values, enhancing good governance (participation, rule of
law, transparency, accountability, responsiveness), decision-making, communication,
conflict resolution, compromise, persuasion, creativity, analytical and critical thinking,
listening, observing, cooperation, and critically examining information.
• Political Culture Types:
• Parochial: Participation limited to local areas.
• Subjective: Citizens are passive subjects; government acts, citizens receive.
• Participatory: Citizens are active participants with knowledge and awareness of
the political system.
• Civic Attitudes: Character, disposition, and commitment essential for civic
responsibility. Includes altruism, tolerance/respect, civic-mindedness, responsibility,
and virtuousness.
• Competence integrates: Knowledge + Skill + Attitude.
1.5. Sources of Civics and Ethics
• Traditional Sources: Family, schools, religious institutions, mass media.
• Documentary Sources: Constitutions (written or unwritten), international decisions,
enactments, treaties, and conventions (e.g., UDHR 1948, ICCPR, ICESCR, CRC 1989,
CEDAW 1979).
• Theoretical Sources: Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Law, History, Economics,
Geography.
1.6. Definition of Ethics, Morality, Immoral, and Amoral
• Ethics:
• Etymological Origin: Greek word 'ethos' meaning "custom," "character," or "way of
acting."
• Definition: The study of human conduct; a set of rules/guidelines defining right and
wrong, good and bad, virtue and vice, justice in moral behavior. Helps in making
reasonable and responsible decisions.
• Guiding Principles: Self-interest, custom and tradition, societal norms, code of
ethics, law, religion.
• Guided by rationally justified values.
• Morality:
• Etymological Origin: Latin word 'mores'/'mos' implying custom, manner, proper
behavior, character.
• Definition: Norms or standards of human conduct; behavior according to rules
distinguishing good from bad. Principles on which one's judgments of right and
wrong are based.
• Difference between Ethics and Morality:
Feature Ethics Morality
Standards imposed by outside Individual's own principles
Origin groups (rules, society, regarding right and wrong
profession)
Nature Objective, externalism Subjectivism, internal
Study Subject that studies morality Content within the subject of
ethics
Consequence Punishment for violation Creates a sense of guilt
• Moral: A person who knows the difference between right and wrong and chooses to do
what is right.
• Immoral: A person who knows the difference between right and wrong and chooses to
do what is wrong.
• Amoral: Lacking a sense of right and wrong; indifferent to moral considerations.
1.7. Approaches to Ethics
• Normative Ethics (Prescriptive): Tells people what should be done; examines moral
standards, rules, principles, and procedures to define right and wrong conduct.
• Teleological Ethics (Consequentialist): Focuses on the outcomes or consequences
of actions (e.g., Ethical Egoism, Ethical Altruism, Utilitarianism).
• Deontological Ethics (Non-consequentialist): Focuses on duties and rules,
regardless of consequences (e.g., Prima Facie Duty Ethics, Divine-Based Duty Ethics).
• Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than rules or
consequences.
• Non-normative Ethics:
• Meta-ethics: Examines the origin and meaning of ethical terms (e.g., "good,"
"right"). Asks if moral judgments are subjective or objective, based on personal
preference or external facts.
• Ethical Absolutism/Objectivism: Moral values are objective and true for
everyone.
• Ethical Relativism/Subjectivism: Moral values are subjective, allowing for
legitimate differences of opinion.
• Applied Ethics: Deals with ethical questions in specific practical fields.
• Categories: Developmental ethics, Environmental ethics, Professional ethics.
Chapter 2: Understanding State & Government
2.1. Definition and Characteristics of Society
• Etymological Origin: Latin word 'socius' meaning association, togetherness, living in a
group.
• Elements of Society:
• Common geographical area/defined territory.
• Relatively large grouping of people.
• Common culture (language, identity).
• Feeling of identity and belongingness.
• Autonomous and independent.
2.2. Defining and Understanding of State
Conceptual Discourses
• The concept of the 'state' is modern, though political organizations existed in ancient
times (Greek city-states, Roman empire).
• Greeks used 'Polis' for City-State; Romans used 'Civiles' for a body politic.
• A state is a politically organized society.
• Definitions by Philosophers:
• Aristotle: "A union of families and villages having for its end a perfect and self-
sufficing life."
• Woodrow Wilson: "People organized for law within a definite territory."
• Garner: "A community of persons more or less numerous permanently occupying a
definite portion of territory, independent or nearly so of external control and having
an organized government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual
obedience."
• Laski: "Territorial society divided into government and subjects whose relations are
determined by the exercise of the supreme coercive power."
• Social Contract Theorists (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau): State is a purposeful
creation by people for their convenience and utility, based on consent to protect
inalienable rights (life, liberty, property).
Major Elements of State (Pillars of the Modern State)
• People: No state without people; size is not fixed.
• Sovereignty: Supreme power/authority of the state in internal and external matters;
internal supremacy and external independence.
• Territory: Fixed territory is essential for people to live and organize; includes land,
water, and air-space. Size, location, and shape impact development and security.
• Government: The political organization and working agency of the state, responsible
for administrative affairs.
• Recognition (Supplementary Element): External acceptance of a new state by others.
It's a political act, not compulsory, but important for legal existence.
2.2.2. Origin and Historical Development of State
• Genetic or Natural or Evolutionary Theory: State evolved gradually from earlier
human communities (family, clan, tribe). Aristotle: "State is the product of the natural or
gradual expansion of the family."
• Theory of Divine Origin: State created by God and governed by His deputy (the ruler).
Ruler responsible to God alone; power is hereditary; obedience to the king is a religious
duty.
• Force Theory: State created by physical force (conquest, subjugation). Born out of
force, exists by force, and dies without force. Military strength is paramount.
• Social Contract Theory: Postulates a state of nature and a social contract. State is a
result of people's consent to protect their inalienable rights (life, liberty, property). An
artificial creation based on agreement.
• Marxist View: State evolved from the disappearance of primitive communities and the
formation of social classes due to private property. State originated from the split of
society into classes.
2.3. The Differences between Society and State
Feature State Society
Existence Came into existence after Prior to the state
society
Purpose Exists for society as a means to An end by itself
an end
Nature An artificial institution A natural and innate institution
Territory Has fixed territory; not broader No fixed territory; both broader
or narrower and narrower than the state
Organization Political organization Social organization
2.4. State Structure
States are differentiated by their government structures:
• Unitary State Structure:
• Characteristics: Centralization of power, indivisible power, central government has
full legal right to overrule local governments, one constitution, one legislature, local
units subordinate to national government.
• Advantages: Uniformity of decisions, laws, and policies; easily avoidable conflict of
jurisdiction; simple power organization; suited for small, homogeneous countries.
• Disadvantages: Difficult effective administration; doesn't encourage grass-roots
participation; not effective in managing cultural diversities; may lead to misuse of
power due to centralization.
• Federal State Structure:
• Characteristics: Decentralization of power, devolution of power, both central and
regional governments have independent spheres of authority, self-rule and shared
rule, formal division of powers by constitution, two constitutions, bicameral
legislature. Neither central nor regional governments are subordinate; they are
coordinate and equal.
• Advantages: Ability to manage diversity, flexibility (local autonomy), recognizes
local interests, promotes citizen participation, prevents secession, checks federal
government power, manages large countries, promotes positive competition.
• Disadvantages: Conflict of jurisdiction; policies not uniform; harmful spillover
effects; can lead to weak parties and a parochial Congress; weakened nationalism.
• Confederal State Structure:
• Characteristics: Voluntary association of independent states, states are sovereign,
weak central government, strong state governments, loose alliances, states can
withdraw at any time, established for common purposes. More common in regional,
continental, and global organizations.
The Division of Power in Federal State Structure
• Exclusive Power: Powers held solely by the federal government (e.g., national defense,
federal police, National Bank, currency, foreign policy, inter-state transport,
postal/telecommunications - Art 51).
• Concurrent (Shared) Power: Powers shared by both federal and regional governments
(e.g., levying taxes, protecting state security, cultural development, sports
development, environmental protection, tourism).
• Residual Power: Powers left to the regional governments (except in India).
2.6. Government
Definition and Functions
• Definition: The organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit
exercises authority, controls public policy, and directs actions of its citizens.
• Functions:
• Maintenance of law and order.
• Protection of citizens and territory from threats.
• Providing and distributing resources/goods and services.
• Administration of justice and conflict resolution.
Organs of Government
• Legislature: Formulates laws, proposes constitutional amendments, ratifies treaties,
controls tax/approves budget, acts as check and balance, hears public grievances.
• Executive: Enforces and administers laws, collects taxes, provides social services,
controls military, conducts foreign relations, maintains peace and order, defends the
country.
• Judiciary: Interprets laws, detached from politics, acts neutrally, safeguards individual
rights, renders impartial decisions.
Systems and Types of Government
• Classification: Democratic vs. Undemocratic (Authoritarian, Totalitarian, Dictatorship,
Military, Tyranny, Aristocracy, Monarchy, Oligarchy, Feudalist).
• Democratic Systems (based on executive-legislative relationship):
• Presidential System:
• Relationship: Clear separation of power between executive and legislative.
• Head of State/Government: Same person.
• Term of Office: Fixed (predictable).
• Cabinet: From outside Legislature.
• Executive's Question Period: Irregular (primarily responsible to the people).
• Government Coalitions: Less likely.
• Election of Chief-Executive: Direct.
• Legislation: More gridlock, more independence from party.
• Removal From Power: Impeachment.
• Parliamentary System:
• Relationship: Fusion of power.
• Head of State/Government: Different persons.
• Term of Office: Less predictable.
• Cabinet: Either from Legislators or outside of them.
• Executive's Question Period: Regular (primarily responsible to parliament).
• Government Coalitions: More likely.
• Election of Chief-Executive: Indirect.
• Legislation: Easier to pass legislation, party control more disciplined.
• Removal From Power: Vote of no confidence.
• Semi-presidential/Hybrid System:
• Definition: An alternation between presidential and parliamentarian phases,
solving deadlocks and uncritical support. A president exists alongside a prime
minister and cabinet, with the latter two responding to the legislature. The
president is popularly elected and more than a figurehead, but the cabinet
responds to the legislature.
• Features: Separation of power is not as clear as presidential nor as fused as
parliamentary. Cabinet can be forced to resign via a motion of no confidence.
2.8. The Difference between State and Government
Feature State Government
Nature Abstract, permanent, broader Concrete, temporary, narrower
concept concept
Membership Includes all citizens Consists of a few individuals
(rulers)
Sovereignty Possesses sovereignty Exercises sovereignty on behalf
of the state
Powers Defines the powers of the Operates within the powers
government defined by the state
Continuity Continues even if government Changes with elections or
changes political shifts
Potential Exam Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The term 'civics' is derived from the Latin words 'civis' and 'civitas', meaning
respectively:
a) Citizen and city-state
b) Civil and society
c) Culture and community
d) Custom and character
Answer: a) Citizen and city-state
2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of rights?
a) Rights are universal.
b) Rights are absolute or unlimited.
c) Every right comes with responsibility.
d) Rights are dynamic in nature.
Answer: b) Rights are absolute or unlimited.
3. According to Aristotle, man is a:
a) Social animal
b) Rational animal
c) Political animal
d) Economic animal
Answer: c) Political animal
4. Which of the following social revolutions is associated with the slogan "Liberty,
equality, fraternity!"?
a) British Revolution of 1688
b) American Revolution of 1776
c) French Revolution of 1789
d) Ethiopian Revolution of 1991
Answer: c) French Revolution of 1789
5. Which type of political culture is characterized by citizens assuming a passive
relationship to the political system?
a) Parochial Political Culture
b) Subjective Political Culture
c) Participatory Political Culture
d) Democratic Political Culture
Answer: b) Subjective Political Culture
6. The etymological origin of 'ethics' is the Greek word 'ethos', which refers to:
a) Law
b) Custom or character
c) Morality
d) Justice
Answer: b) Custom or character
7. In a federal state structure, powers that are held solely by the federal government are
known as:
a) Concurrent powers
b) Residual powers
c) Exclusive powers
d) Shared powers
Answer: c) Exclusive powers
8. Which of the following is a characteristic of a unitary state structure?
a) Decentralization of power
b) Bicameral legislature
c) Two constitutions
d) Centralization of power
Answer: d) Centralization of power
9. In a parliamentary system, the relationship between the executive and legislative
branches is characterized by:
a) Clear separation of power
b) Fusion of power
c) Alternation of power
d) Independent power
Answer: b) Fusion of power
[Link] theory of state origin suggests that the state evolved gradually from earlier
human communities like the family, clan, and tribe?
a) Divine Origin Theory
b) Force Theory
c) Social Contract Theory
d) Genetic or Evolutionary Theory
Answer: d) Genetic or Evolutionary Theory
Short Answer Questions
1. Differentiate between moral rights and legal rights, providing an example for each.
Answer:
• Moral Rights: Rights based on the moral conscience of a community, without legal
force. Example: The moral right to be treated with respect.
• Legal Rights: Rights recognized and enforced by the state, protected by law, with
violations leading to punishment. Example: The legal right to freedom of speech.
2. Explain the concept of civic competency and list its three minimum components.
Answer: Civic competency refers to the capacity or ability of citizens to participate
effectively in the political system. Its three minimum components are:
• Civic Knowledge: What citizens ought to know about their country's conditions,
democracy, government, and constitution.
• Civic Skills: Abilities to apply civic knowledge in practice, such as decision-making,
communication, and conflict resolution.
• Civic Attitudes: Character traits and commitments essential for civic responsibility,
including tolerance, responsibility, and civic-mindedness.
3. Briefly describe the main difference between ethics and morality.
Answer: Ethics refers to standards of good and bad, right and wrong, typically imposed
by an outside group (e.g., rules, society, profession), and is the subject that studies
morality. Morality, on the other hand, refers to an individual's own principles regarding
right and wrong, which are not externally imposed but are personal judgments.
4. List and briefly explain three theories regarding the origin and historical development
of the state.
Answer:
• Genetic or Evolutionary Theory: The state gradually evolved from earlier human
communities like the family, clan, and tribe.
• Theory of Divine Origin: The state was created by God and governed by His deputy,
the ruler, whose authority was considered divine.
• Force Theory: The state originated through the use of physical force, conquest, and
subjugation of the weak by the strong.
• Social Contract Theory: The state is an artificial creation resulting from an
agreement or contract among people to protect their rights.
• Marxist View: The state evolved from the disappearance of primitive communities
and the formation of social classes due to private property, serving as an instrument
of the dominant class.
5. Compare and contrast the Presidential and Parliamentary systems of government
based on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
Answer:
• Presidential System: Features a clear separation of power between the executive
(President) and legislative branches. The President is both head of state and
government, elected directly, and has a fixed term. The cabinet is typically formed
from outside the legislature.
• Parliamentary System: Characterized by a fusion of power between the executive
(Prime Minister and Cabinet) and legislative branches (Parliament). The head of
state and head of government are different persons. The Prime Minister is usually a
member of the legislature and is indirectly elected. The cabinet is drawn from the
legislature and is responsible to it. The term of office is less predictable, as the
government can fall due to a vote of no confidence.