Civic Education – Types of Constituted Authorities

CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY

A Constituted Authority refers to the different forms of Leadership established for the smooth running of the society. In every society, there are groups, associations, schools, government and business organizations that are composed of different groups of people. Each of these organizations have leaders and these leaders are referred to as Constituted Authority. Constituted Authorities are those powers which the constitution of each people has established to govern them, to cause their rights to be respected, and to maintain those of each of its members

TYPES OF CONSTITUTED AUTHORITIES

There are various types of constituted authority in any society. They include:

A. Traditional Constituted Authority

This is authority based on customs and traditions of the people. They are in custodian of local traditions and custom. Examples of traditional authority in Nigeria are: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Lagos, Ooni of Ife, Sultan of Sokoto and Obi of Onitsha.

Functions of Traditional Authorities

1. They are custodians of Local Traditions
2. Traditional Authority helps the Local Government to maintain law and order in the Local communities
3. They help the Government to educate their people on the need for their maximum co-operation with Government
4. They are the Chief Priests or Heads of Traditional ceremonies

B. Religious Constituted Authorities

This is Leadership based on religion. They include Pastors, Priests and Imams. Religious Constituted authority are Spiritual leaders of religious groups in the society. They can be elected or appointed depending on the practice of their religious movement. Some are leaders by achievement while some are leaders by ascription.

Functions of Religious Constituted Authorities

1. They attend to the spiritual needs of their followers
2. They help in educating members on various Government policies
3. They help to maintain peace in their various groups
4. They act as intermediary between God and their followers.

C. Government Constituted Authorities

These are leaders of Government. They are the President, Ministers, State Governors, Chief Justice, Senate President e.t.c. They are leaders who have the constitutional backing to rule the people.

Functions of Government Constituted Authorities

1. They maintain law, peace and order
2. They provide basic amenities (water, electricity, health care) for the people
3. The promote national unity
4. They protect the citizens against internal and external attacks
5. They make laws and they execute them
6. They guarantee equality of life of the citizens fairly
7. They respect the dignity of individuals
8. They protect the right of every citizen to engage in lawful economic activities for livelihood

D. Organisational Constituted Authorities

These are leaders of business organisations such as banks, Cadbury, John Holt, Political Parties or Social clubs such as Lions, Rotary, Lioness, JCI e.t.c

Functions of Organisational Constituted Authorities

1. They make decisions and policies for their organisations
2. They cater for the interests of their members
3. They represent their organisations at various relevant level of the society.