History Form 2 Notes
History Form 2 Notes
com
History and Government Teaching Notes Form Two
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4
TRADE ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
DEFINITION OF TRADE _______________________________________________________________________________ 4
METHODS OF TRADE ________________________________________________________________________________ 4
BARTER TRADE ____________________________________________________________________________________ 4
CURRENCY METHOD OF TRADE__________________________________________________________________________ 4
LOCAL TRADE _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4
REGIONAL TRADE___________________________________________________________________________________ 5
TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE ______________________________________________________________________________ 5
INTERNATIONAL TRADE _______________________________________________________________________________ 6
TRANS-ATLANTIC TRADE/TRIANGULAR TRADE _______________________________________________________________ 7
CHAPTER TWO ____________________________________________________________________________________ 9
TRANSPORT_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
TRADITIONAL FORMS OF TRANSPORT _____________________________________________________________________ 9
LAND TRANSPORT __________________________________________________________________________________ 9
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHEEL _________________________________________________________________________ 10
WATER TRANSPORT ________________________________________________________________________________ 10
MODERN MEANS OF TRANSPORT _______________________________________________________________________ 11
ROAD TRANSPORT _________________________________________________________________________________ 11
RAIL TRANSPORT __________________________________________________________________________________ 13
WATER TRANSPORT ________________________________________________________________________________ 14
AIR TRANSPORT___________________________________________________________________________________ 16
SPACE EXPLORATION _______________________________________________________________________________ 16
IMPACT OF MODERN MEANS OF TRANSPORT. _______________________________________________________________ 17
POSITIVE EFFECTS _________________________________________________________________________________ 17
CHAPTER THREE __________________________________________________________________________________ 18
COMMUNICATION ________________________________________________________________________________ 18
TRADITIONAL FORMS OF COMMUNICATION.________________________________________________________________ 18
DEVELOPMENT IN MODERN MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. ______________________________________________________ 20
TELECOMMUNICATION. _____________________________________________________________________________ 20
PRINT MEDIA ____________________________________________________________________________________ 21
IMPACT OF MODERN MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.___________________________________________________________ 22
CHAPTER FOUR ___________________________________________________________________________________ 23
DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY _______________________________________________________________________ 23
EARLY SOURCES OF ENERGY ___________________________________________________________________________ 23
WOOD. ________________________________________________________________________________________ 23
WIND. _________________________________________________________________________________________ 23
WATER. ________________________________________________________________________________________ 23
USES OF METALS IN AFRICA. __________________________________________________________________________ 24
THE IMPACT OF METALS IN AFRICA. _____________________________________________________________________ 26
THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN EUROPE. _________________________________________________________________ 26
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History and Government Teaching Notes Form Two
CHAPTER ONE
TRADE
Definition of trade
Trade refers to the exchange of goods and services between people or countries.
Methods of trade
There are two main methods of trade;
Barter trade
Currency trade.
Barter trade
This is the exchange of gods for gods. It is one of the earliest forms of trade in man, history.
Advantages of barter trade
1. It is effective in meeting essential needs in the absence of other methods of trade.
2. It is useful the demands of people whose economy is at a subsistence level
3. It is handy in communities where illiteracy is high and interpretation of
Limitations of barter trade
1. Some trade items were bulky to transport as others such as fresh food were perishable.
2. It was at times difficult to determine the value of trade goods.
3. There was the problem of double coincidence of wants.
4. Some goods were not easily divisible into small quantities.
Currency method of trade
Currency trade is the use of money to purchase commodities or to pay for services.
It is a means of measuring value for goods and services.
Advantages of using currency system of trade
1. It can be accumulated for future use.
2. It has intrinsic value (it is a store of value or wealth
3. It is flexible in use and value (it is not bulky), which makes it convenient for exchange.
4. It is easily divisible into smaller units.
5. It represents an exact value for goods and services.
6. It is of different types, mainly paper money and coins, into which precious metals were
Local trade
Local trade is exchange of goods at the village level, depending on people’s needs.
Factors that contributed to the start of local trade
1. Climatic and environmental conditions, which were not uniform in all regions.
2. Uneven distribution of natural resources,
3. Specialization, whereby some skills such as ironworking, basketry, pottery, cloth making,
4. Local merchants, who financed the trade by investing their gains into the trade
5. Surplus production, whereby people exchanged the excess produce with other communities
6. Peaceful co-existence of neighbouring attracted more participants in to the trade
7. Regional and international trade, which widened and popularized it.
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Trans-Saharan trade-routes were divided into primary trade-routes and secondary trade-routes.
Primary trans-Saharan trade-routes
The western route, which linked morocco with Senegal and the upper Niger region.
The central route, which ran from Tunisia through Ghadames, chad and Agades in the
desert to Hausa land.
The eastern route, which started from Tripoli and went through Fezzan, Murzuk and Bilma
and ended at Njimi in Karema Bornu.
Secondary trans-Saharan trade-routes
That which started from Sigilmasa in morocco and went to Agades through taut and Gao and
ended up in Timbuktu.
That which went from Walata to Takeda, passing through Timbuktu and Ghao.
That which ran from Cairo and joined the eastern route in Murzuk.
Goods from north Africa included salt, horses, glassware, beads, mirrors, needles, perfumes,
spices, dried fruits, fire arms, daggers and cowrie shells.
Goods from west Africa (western Sudan) included gold, slaves, kola-nuts, feathers, hides and
skins, ivory, gum, dyed clothes and pepper.
Problems trans-Saharan traders experienced
1. Long journeys that took three months across the desert.
2. Many lost their way and died in the desert.
3. Sand-storms.
4. Attacks by hostile desert communities.
5. Scarcity of water and goods.
6. Attacks from wild animals.
7. Language barrier.
8. Harsh temperatures and adverse weather conditions, leading to sickness.
Factors that led to decline of trans-Saharan trade
1. The gold and salt fields got exhausted reducing supply
2. Fall of empires like Songhai caused political instability and insecurity in the region
3. External invasion by morocco cost destruction of some commercial centres like Gao
4. The rise and growth of trans-Atlantic trade rendered trans-Saharan trade unpopular
5. European trading activities along West African coast undermine the trade
6. Abolition of slave trade from the 1840s denied the traders a main trade` item’
7. The tuaregs changed their roles as guides and became robbers of the caravans
8. The desert condition like sand storms and desert insects.
Impact of trans-Saharan trade
1. The trade provided an important link between western Sudan and North Africa
2. It stimulated the growth of small settlement which later grew into big ancient towns
3. It created a new social class in western Sudan
4. The trade brought about islamisation of people in West Africa
5. New types of goods were introduced to the people of West Africa
6. They built schools and university were Arabic literature and philosophy were taught
International trade
It refers to trade between countries outside geographical
regions. It can also be defined as trade which involves travel across seas and oceans.
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CHAPTER TWO
TRANSPORT
Transport is movement of goods and people from one place to another over some distance.
Traditional forms of transport
These are human port rage, pack of animals, raft, boats and sailing ships
Land transport
Human port rage
This was carried on heads, shoulders and backs
Advantages
1. It was readily available
2. It was cheap methods
3. It was flexible because it hard no fixed times for departure and arrival
Disadvantages
1. It was time-consuming as movement was slow
2. There porter could carry only a small load
3. It was tiresome, forcing the porter to make frequent rest
4. Porters were affected by adverse weather condition
Pack and draught animals
Animals were initially domesticated only for food, later they did carry goods and people. At first
the load was placed directly on the animals back, later, some of the animals began to pull
vehicles. Animals like ox, donkey, horse, mule, elephant, camel, reindeer and dogs
Advantages
1. Animals are cheap to maintain since they require only feeding
2. Accidents are rare since animals do not over speed
3. Animals can be used in accessible areas
4. Some animals can sense danger by sniffing out an enemy from a distance.
5. Animals do not need fuel apart from teaching and training
Disadvantages
1. Animals may be attacked by wild animals
2. It is slow and tedious mode of transport
3. The amounts of load which animals can carry are low when compared to motor vehicle.
4. Pack animals are stubborn when tired or heavily loaded
5. The animals can only cover a limited distance
Vehicles without wheels
The earliest vehicles were crude contraptions without wheels. As they were cumbersome to drag
along the ground, they moved slowly and carried small loads.
The sleigh (sledge)
The sleigh glided on runners placed from back to front. It was commonly used in the snow
terrains of northern Europe and North America. It was initially pulled by people; later teams of
dogs were harnessed to it. The reindeer was also used in some parts of the arctic and sub- arctic
regions.
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The travois
It was v-shaped with the narrower side harnessed to a horse or dogs using a pole. The broader
side which was dragged along the ground, had cross-pieces that served as a base for the load.
The travois was most commonly used in the North America because of its treeless, dry and flat
terrain.
The sedan chair
This was a special chair fitted with two poles running on the sides from back to front. Four men
carried it on these poles.
Development of the wheel
The wheel was invented by the Sumerians in 3000bc. It was also used in the Indus valley.
It eventually reached/spread to central Asia shortly before 2500bc.
In 2000bc, the spooked wheel was invented. It matched the speed of the horse and was used in
war-chariots by Indo-European communities like the Persians, Greeks and romans against
Egyptians and middle eastern civilizations.
It was further improved by adding a rubber strip on its outer rim. Up to the 19th century, the
spooked wheel was not superseded by any other.
In Africa, use of the wheel was first introduced in Egypt in 1800bc when Egypt was invaded by
the Hyksos from south-east Asia. Apart from Shadoofs in irrigation, the Egyptians used the
wheel to make their own carts.
By 1227bc, the Berbers in present day Libya were using wheeled transport. By 600bc, four-
wheeled chariots had reached the area to the north of the Niger river.
In Europe, the Greeks were the first to use the wheel, with which they made military chariots
and wheeled carriages.
Having learnt the use of the wheel from the Greeks, the romans made two-wheeled carts for
sports, postal services and warfare. They made the Carpentum, which was the first covered
vehicle for carrying passengers. Initially, the vehicle body rested on the axle, which made the
ride uncomfortable, especially on rough roads. Leather strips were first used for suspension. This
was improved with introduction of spring suspensions in the 18th century.
In the 18th century, john hansom designed the hansom cab to carry passengers over short
distances in London and other towns. Stage coaches were used for intercity transportation.
Impact of wheeled transport
1. Man could travel longer distances on land.
2. Man could carry more and heavier loads.
3. Transport was now faster, particularly after the engine was invented.
4. Migration increased, e.g. The 1194bc Egyptian border migration.
5. Used in pottery i.e. Wet clay was fed onto a turning wheel shaped it to produce quality pots.
6. It was used in shadoofs: a pulley system, with which farms were irrigated.
7. Wheels of various sizes are fitted into and used for proper functioning of electronic and other
equipment such as video decks, clocks, tape-recorders, etc.
Water transport
Rafts
It’s made up of several logs tied together. This helped to improve on the stability of the log. A
long pole reached the bottom of the river was to propel and steer the raft. However, it was still
difficult to move upstream.
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Oar-driven boats
Oars were used to push or row the boat against water currents thus increasing the speed and
power. They were used by Egyptians, Romans, Phoenicians and Greeks.
Sailing boats
They were propelled by wind; it was done by trapping winds in cloth that was attached to a mast
on the boat. They had greater speed than oar-driven boats.
Sailing ship
They were larger and bigger than the sailing boats. A mast was erected in the centre of the vessel
and a square sail attached on it.
Limitations of early forms of water transport
1. They could easily sink during strong wind and storms.
2. They could only move down stream as their movement relied on water current.
3. They carried only a few passengers and goods at a time
4. Passengers and goods were exposed to the elements of weather.
Modern means of transport
Road transport
Roman roads
The 1st road to be built was by Romans about 312bc. The main aim was to ensure rapid
movement of troops and administrators.
Every region was accompanied by an engineer to supervise construction and maintenance. The
building was done by soldiers, assisted by local labourers.
The roads had foundations of up to one and half meters deep and made with whatever local
material that was available, usually heavy rocks were thrown in 1st, followed by other layers of
smaller stones and rubble. There was a drain on each side and kerbstones to prevent the surface
from sliding outwards.
The 1st roman road called the apian way, connected Rome and Capua, a distance of 209km. at
the height of the empire; over 85000km of roads had been built.
Characteristics of roman roads
1. They were constructed straight
2. They were raised high above the ground to avoid flooding.
3. They were well drained on each side
4. They were built with bridges across rivers and tunnels through hills.
Macadam roads
John macadam (1756-1830) devised a faster but cheaper way of constructing roads. He realised
that ordinary ground could still be used to make good roads if it was kept dry. He removed only
the top soil and then put three layers of small, broken stones, carriage wheels were used to press
the stones tightly and grit to break off and bind everything together. The surface was curved to
allow water to run off into ditches on the sides. The soil underneath remained dry and made the
road durable.
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These roads were later improved by adding tar to produce a water proof surface called Tar-Mac.
The word was coined from the word tar, and from macadam’s name.
Advantage of macadam roads
1. They were all- weather roads
2. The roads were wide hence could accommodate more traffic
3. They were durable
4. They were straight hence reduced accidents
5. They had a smooth surface hence the motoring surface was comfortable.
The bicycle
It means two wheels; it was invented in 1700 by a Frenchman de Sivrac. It has two wheels were
placed in front of the other on a framework rather than side by side on a single axle.
The velocipede
It’s also known as the hobby horse; this kind of a bicycle was 1st used in 1820. There was no
transmission of power to the wheels. The rider sat on it and pushed it forward with his feet and
some speed was built up.
The penny farthing
The name was derived from the British coins, the penny, and the farthing, because one wheel
was bigger than the other. The rider transmitted power from pedals attached to the front bigger
wheel over which the he sat.
The safety bicycle
It was developed from 1884. Chain gearing was invented by Englishman J.K Stanley. It
consisted of two sprocket-wheels, the bigger one attached to the pedals in the centre and the
smaller one to the rear wheel.
Another Englishman, J.B Dunlop, invented the pneumatic tyres which replace the uncomfortable
solid rubber ones.
The last improvement was the invention of the free-wheel which allowed the rear wheel to rotate
when the rider was not pedalling.
The motor-cycle
The motor-cycle is a motorised bicycle. The 1st was made by Gottlied Daimler in 1855. The
frame was made stronger and wheels wider, an engine and a gear box were added to ease riding.
It was faster than a bicycle and cheaper than an automobile, it could access rough terrain, carried
only one passenger or a small load.
The motor vehicle
It was not a sudden invention of any one person. It was the result of a contribution of many
people over several hundred years, in 1789, a French engineer, and Joseph Cugnot, built a three-
wheeled vehicle powered by a steam engine. It moved at a slow, walking pace, although it could
carry passengers, it was designed to transport cannons.
In 1858 petroleum oil was discovered in the U.S.A in 1859, Frenchman Etienne Lenoir
developed the internal combustion engine instead of steam, the engine used petroleum vapour
which was ignited to give an internal explosion.
An Australian, Marcu, built two vehicles but they were banned from the roads because they were
too noisy.
A German engineer, Nicolas Otto also made significant contributions to design of the engine.
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In 1886, Daimler built a four-wheeled car with a high-speed petrol engine. A converted horse-
drawn carriage, this vehicle was the forerunner of the modern car.
Towards the end of the 1880s, a French company, Panhard-Levassor, bought the right to use
Daimlers engine within a few years, their factory produced its 1st car.
Advantages of road transport
1. It is the cheapest form of transport over short distance
2. Road transport is flexible
3. Its faster compared to water and rail transport
4. Can be used by many means e.g. human and animals
Disadvantages of road transport
1. Accidents are high on roads, leading to loss of lives.
2. Traffic congestion leading to jams
3. Exhaust fumes motor vehicles cause air pollution
4. It is expensive to construct all weather roads.
Results of the development of road transport.
1. Promotion of trade within countries.
2. Advancement of industrialization due to quick transportation of raw materials and goods.
3. Emergence of urban centres.
4. A lot of foreign exchange due to manufacture and sale of motor vehicles.
5. Creation of job opportunities.
6. Development of the tourist industry.
7. Road accidents, which claim many lives.
Rail transport
It was developed from the idea of vehicles moving along a fixed track. The 1 st railways were
used in Germany from 16th c in the coal mines.
The steam engine
Thomas Savery, a British engineer, designed and built the 1st steam- drive pump which was used
to pump water out of coal mine.
In 1780, a Scottish engineer, James watt developed a smaller, more efficient steam engine.
1n 1801, Richard Trevithick installed watts engine in a vehicle which ran on an ordinary road.
In 1813, Christopher bracket and William Hedler made another steam engine, nickname puffing
Billy because of the smoke it produced.
The introduction of locomotion by George Stephenson and Robert which was the 1st steam
locomotive to pull a passenger train along a public railway from Stockton to Burlington.
The diesel engine
In 1892, a German engineer, Rudolph diesel designed a heavy-oil engine to work on a
compression ignition system. His engine, built in 1895, achieved compression far higher than
that required for self-ignition in order to obtain the greatest possible efficiency.
The electric engine
The 1st electric railway system was built in Britain in 1883. Designed by Siemens brothers and
john Hopkinson. Electric 240 volts, was picked up from a third rail.
In U.S.A many instillations involving electric tramways were built in the 1890s. They were
operated by power taken either from overhead cables or live rail. They were designed by F.J.
Sprague and C.J van Depoele.
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A propeller under the ship replaced paddle-wheels. The 1st propeller steamer was the
Archimedes, built in 1838.
Three developments which increased the popularity of steamships included-:
In 1854, John Elder invented an economical two –cylinder compound engine which cut fuel
consumption by about 60%.
The Suez Canal was opened in 1869; it shortened the route to the east by about 5000km.
Coal stations were opened all along the main sea-routs. It was no longer necessary to carry a lot
of fuel and so there was more cargo space.
Development of modern ships.
The modern cruise ship is a luxurious ship designed to offer entertainment to passengers as the
ship takes a cruise in the ocean.
These ships are about 3oom long and carry up to 2000 passengers
Canals.
A canal is a man-made water channel usually dug on a straight course. The main reason for the
construction of the canals in Europe and North America was the poor conditions of the roads and
also shorten distance.
They also save costs by reducing the distance this means they are cheap.
Ship canals
It’s deeper and can be used by ocean-going vessels. They were constructed to link the industrial
centres to ports or to shorten routes, like the Manchester-Liverpool canal, the Suez Canal and
Panama Canal.
Advantages of water transport
1. It enhanced the exploration of the world especially after the discovery of the magnetic
compass
2. It promoted trade through transportation of bulky goods between continents.
3. It reduced the cost of transport by providing the cheapest means of transporting bulky goods
4. Promoted exploitation of natural resources under the water.
Disadvantages of water transport
1. Its slow means of moving passengers and cargo.
2. Construction of port facilities is expensive.
3. It can only be used by countries that are bordered by oceans,
4. May lead to pollution of water through oil spills.
5. Delays are caused by port congestion especially where adequate loading and unloading
facilities
Impact of water transport
1. It is a convenient means of transporting bulky goods
2. It is a major source of employment
3. It has boosted international trade
4. It is a major source of government revenue.
5. It has enhanced inter-continental connections
6. It has expanded man’s knowledge about the deep seas.
7. Some towns emerged where there are harbours and ports.
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Air transport
The desire to fly was a dream of mankind for many countries; some pioneers were even killed
while trying to get airborne.
Kits were probably the 1st objects to be flown.
The 1st was a hot air balloon designed and built by two brothers, Jacques and Joseph
Montgolfier. It covered only eight kilometres that lasted twenty minutes.
Brazilian inventor, Alberto Santos Dumont, developed the 1st airship in 1898. Although it was a
balloon, it was powered by an engine and called therefore be steered.
The aeroplane.
The 1st successful heavier than air powered flight was made by Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina in the U.S.A.
Air transport and aircraft design advanced rapidly. By 1909, aeroplanes were being
commercially produced, in 1911, the 1st airmail services were introduced.
The jet engine
The demand for higher speeds for military planes produced the gas turbine, which made possible
the jet plane.
The jet engine gave greater power and higher speed to aircraft. In 1970s, the jumbo jets were
introduced which can cruise long distances at speeds of up to 1000km/h with 400 passengers on
board.
Today, the Concorde is the fastest passenger aircraft; it cruises at up to 2000km/h.
Impact of air transport
1. It has promoted international trade especially perishable goods.
2. It provides transport to in accessible remote areas.
3. It has revolutionised warfare as countries are able to strike their enemies with precision.
4. It has contributed immensely to space exploration through space shuttle and satellites.
5. Air transport has enhanced international co-operation and understanding.
6. It has enhanced emergency and relief services for example; it is used by flying doctors in
emergency situations.
7. Accidents though rare are often fatal for all passengers and crew.
Space exploration
The discovery of the telescope in 1610 by Galileo Galilei made space exploration easier;
astronomers began to study the moon through a telescope in the early 1600s.
The rocket
It was invented and 1st used by the Chinese around 1000ad. They were used as weapons and
space exploration.
In a simple rocket, burning fuel produces large amounts of gas. This is freed out of a hole at
back, causing the rocket to move forward.
Satellites
It’s a small body that travels in orbit around a large body used as space exploration more than a
hundred satellites are launched into the orbit around the earth by various countries every year.
They are used to facilitate communication between the continents.
They help geologists to prospect for minerals and assist astronomers in the study of the solar
system.
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Space shuttle
This craft is partly a rocket and partly plane. It is propelled into space like a rocket, bit it returns
to earth like an aeroplane. Presently, several robotic missions have been sent into space. There is
a permanent international space station orbiting the earth.
Advantages of space exploration.
1. It has enhanced human understanding of the universe like Pluto.
2. It has led to the development of advanced air defence system, like the American Star Wars
system.
3. It has enhanced effective mapping and surveillance on earth through global positioning
system.
4. Space exploration has encouraged space tourism.
Disadvantages of space exploration
1. Accidents though rare have fatal consequences.
2. It is very expensive and preserve of only the rich nations.
3. It is an activity that contributes to environmental degradation e.g. degradation of the ozone
layer.
Impact of modern means of transport.
Positive effects
1. Resulted in great expansion of both internal and external trade.
2. There is migration of people from one part of the world to another is faster and easier.
3. Advancement of transport made people settle in places where there were good means of
transport.
4. Faster transport has resulted into a quick transfer of ideas in technology.
5. Farmers can easily transport their produce even to the most distant markets anywhere in the
world.
6. Raw materials have to be transported to factories, while finished goods have to reach markets.
7. Enhance tourism as people require efficient transport services to visit areas of attraction
8. Modern transport has created millions of jobs as aeroplanes, ship, trains and cars
9. It’s new possible to rush help to victims even in very remote places by air.
10. Modern means of transport have expanded man’s knowledge about universe and deep seas.
11. It has also encouraged the exploitation of natural resources.
12. Government benefit from revenue collection for the issuance of several types of licences
13. Security is also boosted because personnel and officials can be moved easily
Negative impacts
1. There are accidents which lead to loss of many lives and causing permanent injuries.
2. Increasing numbers of vehicles have resulted in serious traffic jams in many cities.
3. Vehicles emit dangerous gases into the atmosphere.
4. Fast and efficient systems of transport have changed the nature of modern warfare.
5. The rapid interaction of people encourages spread of diseases e.g. aids, avian flu, Ebola.
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CHAPTER THREE
COMMUNICATION
Communication is the process by which information is passed from one point or person to another.
Traditional forms of communication.
As people began to live together, they found it necessary to share ideas, information and
experiences.
Fire and smoke signals.
It was lit on raised ground, where it could be seen from a distance. It was used to send urgent
message i.e. warning of an approaching invasion.
Advantages
1. They were visible
2. The message was delivered very fast
3. It was a cheaper way of passing a message.
4. The message was limited to the users and outsiders could not understand.
Disadvantages
1. It was difficult to start fire in wet conditions.
2. Smoke was not visible on a cloudy misty day and on a windy day it is easily blown away.
3. The signals were of no use if no one was on the lookout.
4. Messages could only be sent over short distance.
5. They conveyed limited range of messages.
Drum beats
It was paled by skilled drummers who could imitate the sound of speech. Drums were used to
announce village festivities, weddings, deaths or even to summon warriors to assemble in a
squire. Drum signals could be relayed from one village to another.
Advantages
1. They could relay a wide range of messages.
2. Messages could be conveyed over a wide area.
3. Could be used at any time, e.g. day or night, wet or dry season.
4. The message conveyed faster.
Disadvantages
1. The message could not be clearly interpreted
2. It needed the expertise of skilled drummers.
3. There is no privacy of the message sent.
4. The distance covered was short.
Messengers
Runners were often sent to deliver messages particularly longer ones that could not be
communicated by fire, smoke or drum boats. Confidential messages were also safely derived by
messengers.
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Advantages
1. Suitable where there are no other means of communication.
2. Messages were delivered instantly.
Disadvantages of messengers.
1. It took a long time to reach the recipient since travel was by foot.
2. The messenger could forget the message they were to deliver.
3. The information could be distorted.
4. The messenger could be attacked on the way and killed by wild animals.
5. Distance covered by the messenger was limited.
Horn blowing
A variety of messages could be sent by means of long and short blast of a horn, such as public
announcements. Such sound could also be relayed.
Advantage
1. A wide range of message could be conveyed through tones.
2. Could be used at any time of the day or night under any weather conditions.
Disadvantages
1. The horn could be blown when no one was listening.
2. The messages were restricted to those who knew the tones.
3. Messages could not travel beyond hills and mountains.
4. The privacy of the message was not assured.
Screams and cries
This was done from hills or mountain tops for maximum effects due to echoing.
Different ways of screaming conveyed different message, wailing signified bad news e.g. death
or attack by raiders.
Ululations signified good news e.g. birth of a new child or feasting.
Advantages
1. A wide range of message was conveyed.
2. The message reached the recipient fast.
3. Messages were sent at no cost.
Disadvantages
1. The distance covered by the message was limited
2. It had no secrecy in the message delivered.
Written messages.
a) Scrolls. It’s a roll of paper used for writing, it was 1st used in ancient Egypt by splitting, soaking
in water and drying papyrus roads- pens were also made from the reeds, while ink was derived
from glue, gums, charcoal and other substances.
b) Parchments. It was made from dried skins of goats and other animals. It proved better than
papyrus because it could be folded and cut easily into pages.
c) Stone tables. In Mesopotamia, a system of writing called cuneiform was developed from about
3500 years ago. Writing was done on a clay tablet using a wedge-shaped niber stylus; this had to
be done while clay was wet.
Advantages of written messages
1. The message was reliable as it could not be easily forgotten.
2. In most instances the message was accurate.
3. The message could be stored for future reference.
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Disadvantages
1. The change in language used could affect the message as the meaning of words would also
change.
2. It is also effective in communication among the literate people.
3. There are many forms of writing which create a problem of interpretation.
Development in modern means of communication.
Telecommunication.
It’s sending and receiving of message quickly over very long distance.
The telephone and cell phone
The telephone is technological systems that send and receives voice message over a long
distance by means of wires connecting to a local exchange.
The cell phone is also known as a cellular or mobile phone. a cell phone is a two-way radio
system which connects the caller to the telephone network using radio waves instead of wires.
Television.
It sends picture and sound messages by radio from a transmitting station to a distant television
set. The station changes light and sound waves from a scene into electronic signal and sends
them. These are received in a television set which changes them back into pictures and sounds.
Radio
A radio set is a device which receives electro- magnetic radio waves and them into sound waves.
The telegraph
The telegraph sends coded electronic messages by wire over long distances, for example, from
one continent to another. The message is called a telegram if it travels over land; or a cable if it
is sent or received from overseas.
Electronic mail.
Is the exchanged computer stored messages by telecommunication between connected
computers The computers are linked by telephone. Local and international computer networks
enable e-mail to be sent. E-mail was among the 1st and is still the most widely used application
on the internet.
Computer
This refers to an electronic device that works under a command or programme to reach a
conclusion based on data supplied. A computer works in seconds, it is made up of two basic
parts, the body work (handwork) and the programme of instructions (software)
Fax simile trans-receiver (fax)
The fax machine is also connected to a telephone line. It resembles a photo-copier; it transmits
exact copies of pictures, letters, drawing or any other documents to another fax machine
anywhere in the world.
Telex
It’s a modification of the telegraph. It sends and receives messages electronically which are
printed in ordinary language. Neither does it need the presence of an operator to physically
receive the message.
Pager
Is a small receiver that delivers short radio messages, the message is read on the pagers screen.
It’s a portable communication message service.
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Internet
A computer may be linked with other computers within an organization in order to easily
exchange information. This linkage forms one network.
The internet is a huge, worldwide system of millions of inter-connected networks.
Advantages of telecommunication.
1. They are fast and efficient means of communication.
2. They store information for future reference.
3. They enable instant transmission of information.
4. Information can be transmitted all over the world.
5. They enable transmission of message to more than one recipient at the same time.
Disadvantages
1. They can only be used where there is electricity.
2. They rely on experts to operate and be maintained.
3. They are expensive to buy and maintain, hence not accessible to all people.
4. Their use is limited to place where there is network and reception.
Impact
1. They have increased interactions between people in many parts of the world.
2. They have enabled people to manage information efficiently.
3. The disposal of telecommunication gadgets may result in environmental pollution.
4. Some means of telecommunication erode moral values e.g. pornography
5. Use of some means of telecommunication may become addictive.
6. Continues use of some means of telecommunication may be a health hazard.
7. Provided government revenue through paying taxes and revenue.
8. Provided employment to many people all over the world.
9. They have promoted security by using radio and telephone to fight crime.
10. They have promoted entertainment through music, films and sports.
11. They have promoted trade as business people are able to communicate information about their
products and services.
Print media
It’s refers to written and published document which provide information e.g. newsletters,
newspaper, magazines, journals and books.
Newspaper
Is a document produced daily to disseminate information about significant local and
international news.
Magazines
Is a regular publication providing specialised information on a particular issue? It is usually
bound within covers and published weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Periodical (journals)
It’s a regular publication issued at weekly, monthly or quarterly intervals. They range from
technical and scholarly journals to magazines for mass circulation.
Advantages of print media.
1. They provide a permanent record of information for future reference.
2. Provide material for reading and reference.
3. They can be distributed in many parts of the world.
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CHAPTER FOUR
DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY
Meaning of industry.
Industry is the manufacture of new goods from raw materials.
Early sources of energy
Energy is the force that produces motion, it also does work.
Wood.
It’s the earliest source of energy used by man during the middle stone age, man invented and
used fire which was used to cook and roast food.
He late used it to burn wood to harden clay pots and smelt metals and later in 18th century it was
harnessed for heating water to produce steam.
Advantages.
1. It was cheap to obtain.
2. It was readily available from extensive natural forests.
3. It was a renewable source as trees which were cut down regenerated.
Disadvantages.
1. Continued use of wood fuel resulted in desertification.
2. Wood produces smoke that pollutes the environment.
Wind.
It’s a moving air with the capacity to create energy in objects upon contact. It was used to
winnow and dry grains. It was also applied in turning wind mills and propelling sailing boats and
ships. As a source of power to propel dhows, boats and ships, wind influenced the Indian Ocean
trade.
Wind mills are still used today to generate power and pump water.
Advantages
1. It was cheap to obtain.
2. It was naturally available.
3. It was a renewable source of energy.
Disadvantages.
1. It was unreliable since it was not always available.
2. It was irregular as it was influenced by the prevailing weather and topography.
3. Excessive wind could result in destruction of life and property.
Water.
For a long time, man has used energy generated by water, when water drops from a cliff or over
a fall, it can be harnessed to generate power because of its high speed.
Advantages.
1. It was readily available in certain regions.
2. It was easy to trap and use.
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Disadvantages.
1. Tools made from gold easily became bent as gold was soft.
2. Gold tools were difficult to use because they were heavy.
3. Gold was not easily available in many parts of the world.
Copper.
It’s a soft brown durable metal. The Egyptian was among the earliest people to use the mineral
in its raw form.
Uses of copper.
1. It was used to make sheets, pipes, masks and shields.
2. It was used to make household items like vases, mirrors and pots.
3. It was used to make tools like axes, chisels, pins, fish hooks, knives and other items for use in
the home.
4. It was used to make weapons like arrow-heads, spearheads, daggers, swords, helmets and
shields.
5. It was used to make ornaments like bangles, rings, beads, anklets and bracelets.
6. To make alloys, copper was mixed with other metals to produce stronger metals like brass.
(copper and zinc)
7. It was used for trade; copper was used as an item of trade and medium of exchange in central
Africa. Egypt and West Africa.
Advantages of copper.
1. It was easy to use in making tools as it was soft.
2. Copper tools were durable as copper was harder than some other metals.
3. Copper mixed easily with other metals to produce stronger alloys.
Disadvantages of copper.
1. Copper tools bent easily because copper was soft.
2. Copper was not easily available in many parts of the world.
Iron.
Items made from iron are better and stronger.
Origin of iron working in Africa.
1. There are two theories which have been put forward to explain the origin of iron-working in
Africa.
Diffusion theory
This theory holds that knowledge in iron-working came from outside the continent into North
Africa from the Middle East by the Phoenicians and Assyrians.
In the course of their migration and trade, they introduced iron-working into ancient cartage
(north Africa), iron –working spread to west Africa, central Africa and south Africa.
Independent development theory.
Iron-working emerged independently at independent centres within the continent. This is
supported by archaeological work in Buhaya in North West Tanzania.
Factors which facilitated the spread of iron-working in Africa.
1. Migration where Bantu had acquired knowledge about iron-working migrated from their original
homeland in the Congo and settled all over Africa.
2. Traders spread the knowledge of iron-working to the Kush and Chad basin.
3. Iron-working knowledge also spread through warfare.
4. It was also spread through intermarriages.
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4. It was used to heat water to providence steam which was later converted to fuel for driving
locomotives.
Disadvantages of coal.
1. It was bulky and difficult to transport.
2. It caused environmental pollution by releasing dark carbon and sulphur dioxide smoke when
burning.
3. It is expensive to mine and transport.
4. Coal mining was risky as miners would get buried alive when mines collapsed.
5. It is a non-renewable source of energy.
Oil.
It is found in a thick aqueous natural formation.
Oil-based energy was found to be most convenient with the invention of machines and engines.
Uses of oil.
1. It is used for domestic lighting e.g. kerosene.
2. It provides energy that drives motor vehicles, aeroplanes, ships etc.
3. It is used to provide power to produce thermal electricity.
4. It is used to run factory and domestic machinery.
5. It is used in lubrication of machinery.
6. Its by-product, tar, is used in the tarmacking of roads.
7. It is used in petro-chemical industries to make plastics and synthetic fibre.
Advantages of oil.
1. It is cheaper than the other sources of energy.
2. It is easy to transport.
3. It is convenient as it can be purchased in various quantities.
4. It can be used for various purposes.
Disadvantages of oil.
1. It is non-renewable source of energy.
2. It causes a lot of environmental pollution.
3. It is highly inflammable and may cause accidents.
4. Prospecting and extraction of oil is expensive.
5. It is expensive to the non-producing countries.
Steam.
Water as a source of power was cumbersome and unreliable, so steam power was developed. In
the 1st century B.C, the hero of Alexandria used steam power to open the massive doors of
temples in Egypt.
Uses of steam.
1. It was used for driving, spinning and weaving machines in the textile industry.
2. It was used to drive heavily machinery in factories.
3. Used in driving turbines that generated electricity for industrial use.
4. Used in driving early locomotives and steamships.
Advantages of steam.
1. It was readily available from heated water.
2. It produced a lot of energy compared to any other source of energy available at the time.
3. It was adaptable to many uses i.e. driving locomotives and generating electricity.
4. It did not pollute the environment.
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Disadvantages.
1. Its generation depended on coal and this made it expensive.
2. Steam engines were huge and cumbersome hence not adaptable to many uses.
3. It was suitable only for heavy machinery in factories making it inaccessible for wide
domestic use.
Electricity.
This is power supplied by electrically charged electrons, transmitted through cables invented by
Michael faraday in 1831.
Uses of electricity.
1. It is used in lighting.
2. Used in heating and cooking.
3. Powering machines in industries.
4. Used in telecommunication system.
5. Used in running electric trains.
Advantages of electricity.
1. It is easily and conveniently controlled from one switch where a generator dynamo or motor
is fixed.
2. It is further easily distributed to various users through regulatory or control switches along
the cable line or lines.
3. Electric cables are flexible and can be installed as per specific requirements such as for
cooking, lighting, heating and to link or connect transport and communication machines.
4. It’s used to produce different sizes and shapes of electric-charged items including heaters
and refrigerators or coolers.
5. The use of electricity is further advantageous because of its production by various sources
such as water, petrol and more recently the atomic, nuclear and geothermal-generated
machines.
6. It’s convenient for many uses.
7. Its use can be controlled through rationing when not enough.
Disadvantages of electricity.
1. Potential sites for its production are limited.
2. The harnessing of electricity-generating resources is expensive and requires heavy capital
machinery to install.
3. It’s highly dangerous and requires careful handling.
4. It requires well trained personnel for installation and maintenance.
Iron and steel.
Iron is a mineral obtained from ferrous ores. Steel is a product of highly heated iron exposed or
mixed with carbon.
Uses of iron.
1. Making of water pipes.
2. Making of ox-drawn ploughs.
3. Making of machines for industries e.g. textile industries.
4. Making of steam engines.
5. Construction of trains, railway lines and ships.
6. Construction of bridges.
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Disadvantages of iron.
1. On its own, iron was weak and brittle. It could not be relied on in making of heavy
machinery.
2. On exposure to water or moist air, iron easily rusted.
3. It was too heavy to transport thus its usage in construction and building was hampered.
Uses of iron and steel.
1. Construction of storages buildings such as the crystal palace.
2. Making utensils/
3. Construction of railways and bridges.
4. Manufacture of machinery and motor vehicles.
5. Ship-building.
Advantages of steel over iron.
1. Steel does not rust like iron.
2. Steel is strong compared to iron.
3. Steel is not as heavy as iron.
4. Steel can bend without breaking.
Disadvantages of steel.
1. Iron was combined with other metals making steel products expensive.
2. It was difficult to mix the various metals in the correct proportion to produce good quality
steel.
3. All the required metals were not always available.
Industrialization in Britain.
Up to about 1670, Britain was the most industrialized country and a major world power with a
wide trading market.
Factors that favoured industriasation in Britain.
1. Inventions in the British textile industries pioneered the revolution arising in the British
industries.
2. Britain hard accumulated large amounts of wealth from her trading empire and colonies.
3. Through colonisation Britain had acquired industrial raw materials and market for industrial
products.
4. Britain underwent a period of developments in agriculture; these agrarian changes had great
influence on industrialisation.
5. Its large population provided a market and cheap labour for the industry.
6. It had good transport and communication, her road and railway network facilitated the
movement of industrial goods and products.
7. The naval forces were important as it guarded sea routes from pirates and other intruders as well
as protecting the merchants in trading ports.
8. Uses of slave labour in plantations and mines in colonies greatly influenced her industrial
development.
9. Britain was and has been one of the countries with a well maintained banking and insurance
infrastructure.
10. Britain had for a long history of internal political stability.
11. There were cottage industries that became the pioneers in large-scale factory investments.
12. Britain had an abundant supply of skilled labour for her industries and economy.
13. The country had adequate energy resources.
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5. The development and spread of factory based industries slowly forced the decline and collapse
of cottage – based set-ups.
6. Through the industrial revolution, European nations were able to make a lot of wealth.
7. It also led to urbanization in Europe.
8. It also led to scientific inventions related to machinery, transport and communicatio
The scientific revolution.
It refers to a period in history when many discoveries were made about the universe. The
discoveries and development in science increased human knowledge and understanding about
the universe.
It began in Europe during the renaissance period (1400AD). This was a period of rebirth of
leaning and exploration.
Early scientific inventions.
The world ancient civilizations contributed in various fields of science such as medicine,
biology, chemistry and geometry.
Ancient Egypt: Egyptians were famous mathematicians and used their knowledge to construct
wonderful pyramids (tombs) they also invented geometry which they used on their farms.
Ancient china: they were main contributors in astronomy. The Chinese were the 1st to record
what came to be called`` Halley’s Comet”. This is a heavenly body with s very bright head and
less luminous tail orbiting round the sun.
Arab and Muslim scholars: in astronomy, they studied the writings of Ptolemy, a Greek
scientist, about the solar system. In mathematics, they borrowed the idea of zero from the
Indians.
Ancient India: they develop mathematics by introducing zero which made multiplication easier,
in medicine, Indians found cures for snake bites and leprosy.
Factors which facilitated the scientific revolution.
1. The need to find solutions to day to day problems encouraged scientific research.
2. The renaissance period in Europe encourage scholarship in different fields of scientific
research.
3. Discovery of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg of Germany in 1447 enabled the
printing of books and journals and this enhanced the spread of scientific ideas.
4. Government and wealthy individuals provided funds to support scientific research.
5. Voyages of exploration led to discovery of new lands and encourage interest in new spheres
of knowledge and research.
Key personalities in the scientific revolution.
Period Inventor and invention
1473-1543 Nicolas Copernicus a polish astronomer. He discovered that celestial bodies
possess uniform, circular motion around a central point.
1564 - 1642 Galileo Galilei. In 1609 the Italian mathematician invented the telescope and
observed the universe. He accepted Copernican astronomy and the implicit
necessity of a 'new' physics to replace Aristotelian mechanics.
1571 - 1630 Johannes Kepler. Used Brahe’s data to confirm that the sun was the centre of the
universe and the earth and other planets revolved around it.
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1642 - 1727 Sir Isaac newton. He explained theories of motion and inertia with the force of
gravity. Newton also described the composition of light.
1743-1794 Antoine Lavoisier, a Frenchman. He showed that air was made of hydrogen and
oxygen elements. He stated that chemical substances comprised different
elements.
1766-1844 John Dalton, an English teacher was the founder of modern chemistry and is
famous for the atomic theory “all matter is made up of tiny particles called
atoms.”
1706-1790 Benjamin franklin (USA) he stated that lightning was a form of electricity. He
came up with the theory of electricity and invented the lightning rod.
1791 - 1867 Michael Faraday creates the electric motor, and develops an understanding of
electromagnetic induction, which provides evidence that electricity and magnetism
are related. In 1831, he invented the electric dynamo, a machine which produced
electricity from a magnet.
1799 - 1878 Joseph Henry's research on electromagnetic induction is performed at the same
time as faraday's. He constructs the first motor; his work with electromagnets leads
directly to the development of the telegraph.
1831-1979 James Clerk Maxwell pointed out that acceleration of electric charges emitted
electromagnetic radiation. The ideas underlying Maxwell’s theories of
electromagnetism describe the propagation of light waves in a vacuum.
1787-1854 In 1827, George Simon Ohm determined that the current that flows through a
wire is proportional to its cross sectional area and inversely proportional to its
length or ohm's law.
1876 Nicolaus Otto, a German traveling salesman named constructed the first practical
internal combustion engine; it used a four stroke cycle of a piston to draw a fuel-
air mixture into a cylinder, compress it, mechanically capture energy after ignition,
and expel the exhaust before beginning the cycle anew.
1847-1869 Alexander Graham bell, in 1876, at the age of 29, invented his telephone.
1701 Tull, Jethro invented a horse-drawn seed drill.
1764 Water frame invented by Richard Arkwright - the first powered textile machine.
1888-1946 John Logie Baird is remembered as the inventor of mechanical television (an
earlier version of television). Baird also patented inventions related to radar and
fibre optics.
Robert Bakewell produces Leicester sheep through selective breeding methods.
1755 In 1769, Bakewell breeds longhorn cattle through selective breeding
1786 Andrew Meikle, a Scottish engineer, develops threshing machine
1831 Cyrus McCormick invents the first commercially successful horse-drawn reaper
for harvesting wheat
1837 John Deere develops and manufactures the first commercially successful cast-
steel plough
1831 John fowler pioneers the use of engines for ploughing and drainage channels
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1860s
1879 Anna Baldwin patents a milking machine—a vacuum device connected to a hand
pump to replace hand milking. Invention receives a patent but not commercially
successful.
1842 The first grain elevator is built by Joseph Dart in the U.S.
1850 Edward Quincy invents the corn picker
1764 Spinning jenny invented by James Hargreaves - the first machine to improve
upon the spinning wheel.
1733 Flying shuttle invented by John Kay - an improvement to looms that enabled
weavers to weave faster.
1779 Crompton invented the spinning mule that allowed for greater control over the
weaving process.
1785 Cartwright patented the power loom. It was improved upon by William
Horrocks, known for his invention of the variable speed Batton in 1813.
1847 -1931 Thomas Alva Edison is most famous for his invention of the electric incandescent
light bulb.
1853 - 1937 Elihu Thomson. His experiments eventually led to the adoption of alternating
current technology.
1913 Robert Adler. He is most famous for his invention of the wireless TV remote
control.
1856 -1943 Nikola tesla is recognized as one of the outstanding pioneers in the electric power
field
1765-1825 Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1794. The cotton gin is a machine that
separates seeds, hulls and other unwanted materials from cotton after it has been
picked.
1895 Wilhelm Röntgen discovers x rays.
1898 Marie and Pierre curie separate radioactive elements.
1898 Joseph Thompson measures the electron, and puts forth his "plum-pudding"
model of the atom - that the atom is a slightly positive sphere with small, raisin-
like negative electrons inside.
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6. Marketing of farm inputs and outputs has been improved by scientific invention through
availability of telecommunication.
7. Scientific invention has resulted into setting up of industries which consume agricultural
produce directly as raw materials.
Negative effects.
1. Continuous use of artificial fertilizers had led to soil impoverishment.
2. Continuous use of hybrid species has led to loss of some traditional plant and animal species
which are more resistant to diseases.
3. Pesticide, fertiliser and the farm inputs are expensive.
4. Some agro-chemicals, e.g. pesticides, fungicides, fertilisers are toxic and therefore harmful
to both plants and animal’s life.
Impact on industry
Positive effects.
1. The invention of machines and new sources of power has led to emergence of more factories
and mills.
2. The invention of vaccines and drugs to control human diseases led to population growth rate.
3. The invention of printing press has led to mass production of newspapers, magazines,
periodicals and books.
4. The discovery of steam power greatly revolutionaries transport industry as it led to the
railway age with the invention of George Stephenson’s rocket.
5. The discovery of steam, electricity and petroleum has led to the building of new iron and
steel factories.
6. Industrial developments have created job opportunities both skilled and unskilled.
7. Production of industrial goods in large quantities has promoted the growth in trade.
Negative effects.
1. Widespread industrialisation has led to an increased in industrial affluent hence leading to
environmental pollution.
2. Automation in industries has led to loss of jobs.
3. Invention and production of military hardware has led to massive loss of lives and
destructive wars.
Impacts of medicine.
Positive effects.
1. Scientific inventions led to i.e. eradication of killer disease e.g. smallpox
2. It led to cleaner, safer and less painful surgical operation.
3. It has made it possible for one to have a new face or look through plastic surgery.
4. The invention of x-ray has made it possible to examine the extent of broken bones.
5. The development of babies in the tubes through external fertilisation has helped childless
couples to have children.
6. It has made it possible for one to have a heart, liver and kidney transplant.
Negative effects.
1. Some of the inventions are expensive and beyond the reach of many people.
2. Overdependence on drugs has weekend immune system due to development of resistance.
3. Invention of safer abortions has led to immorality and loses of life in some countries.
4. The failure of some scientific inventions and research has led to emergence of some
resistance strains of diseases.
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8. The availability of finance for industrial growth, this capital was from the rich Germany citizens
who went for loans from local banks and U.S.A in 1924.
9. The hardworking and enterprising nature of the Germans.
Japan.
Until the middle of the 18th century agriculture was the backbone of her economy, she also faced
years of civil war and conflict.
Emergence of Japan as an industrial power.
1. She had enterprising citizens who were hard working and determined community.
2. Japan has experienced a long period of political stability especially after world war 11.
3. The japans work for life. This policy means that when one is employed in Japan, they put the
interest of the employer first.
4. Japanese goods, e.g. motor vehicles are high quality and have a wide market in Africa, U.S.A,
and Europe.
5. Japan has highly developed renewable hydro-electric power.
6. Skilled and unskilled labour was readily available.
7. Japan developed a good system of transport and communication.
8. The existing industrial base before world war 11, Japan had already attained a certain level of
industrial development.
9. The Japanese government invited foreign expatriates and deployed them to local industries.
10. Geographical factors also favoured industrialization in Japan.
11. Japan had an open investment policy which encouraged the west to invest in her industries.
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2. High poverty level among the Indian population has resulted into a low purchasing power.
3. Indian suffers massive brain-drain.
4. India has on many occasions fought with Pakistan and sectarian unrests.
5. The HIV/AIDS pandemics are spreading at a faster rate in India.
6. Indian products face stiff competition with other products from developing countries.
7. Problems hindering industrialization in the third world.
8. Lack of adequate funds to invest in the industrial sector is caused by high rate of population
growth and rampant poverty.
9. Lack skilled manpower mainly because of the poor education system that lay less emphasis on
scientific, technical and vocational training.
10. Poor means of transport and communication in third world countries have greatly hindered
transport of raw materials.
11. There is stiff competition from high quality and cheaply produced goods from developed
countries.
12. There is a free open local market but the purchasing power is low because is low because of
poverty.
13. Political instability does not offer a conducive and enabling environment to attract foreign
investment.
14. The issue of colonial and neo-colonial legacies.
15. There are rapid population growth rates due to improved medical and health services; this effect
has called for massive expenditure on food impetration.
16. Third world countries have been subjected to epidemic catastrophes.
17. Industrialization in the third world is greatly checked by large expenditures on military hardware
for defence and security.
Solutions to challenges facing third world industrial programmes.
1. Provision of capital and credit to their people to reduce poverty.
2. Improve the purchasing power of their people by increasing incomes.
3. Encourage industrial investment by giving incentive and protection to local manufacturing
sectors.
4. Develop and extend the transport and communication infrastructure.
5. Diversification of the economy and manufacturing industries.
6. Promote and provide scientific and technological education to the people.
7. Reduce military expenditures and divert finds for the manufacture of products for wide domestic
and external markets.
8. Boost and encourage regional co-operation for a wider industrial market.
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CHAPTER FIVE
URBANIZATION.
It’s the process by which people are attracted to settlements of large human population. It may
be described as a city or town; it may have more than 20,000 people.
A town: over 20,000 people and up to 100,000 people.
A city between 100,000 -500,000 people.
An urban centre with population of over 500,000.
There are various factors that determine the location of urban centres like commercial activities,
like trade and transport; others were strategically placed for defence.
Administrative centres would also grow and develop into urban centre.
Early urbanization in Africa.
The process of urbanisation dates back to the new Stone Age and it occurred due to a variety of
reasons.
Factors that led to early urbanisation in Africa.
1. The presence of major centres of education such as universities contributed to the growth of
urban centres.
2. The issue of religion also led to urban development like Timbukutu.
3. Urban centres grew around fresh water sources like rivers, springs and oases.
4. There were administration centres like emperors and kingdom.
5. Mineral deposits like iron-ore, gold and salt led to urbanization.
6. There was also trade in Africa this lead to urbanization.
7. Route junctions also led to urbanization.
Cairo.
It’s the capital city of present day Egypt. It was founded in 969AD. It’s located on an old Greek
settlement that was protected by the Romans against any external attacks.
Egypt faced number of invasions on a number of occasion’s e.g. by the Syrians (1171-1249)
Turkish Mamaluks (1249-1517), ottoman Turks (1517-1798) and the French (1798-1801).
Egypt acquired self-governance in 1922 but the Turkish dynasty continued dominating them
until 1936 when they were overthrown. It attained in 1952 after the monarch was overthrown by
Colonel Abdel Nasser in 1952.
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3. The city is faced with the daunting task of providing social service such as education and
health facilities.
4. There is population growth which leads to traffic congestions.
5. The waste disposal, as it generates mountains of garbage on a daily basis.
6. There is a large number of unemployed people that are drawn to it daily in search in a better
life.
Solutions to problems facing Nairobi.
1. Expansion of water projects to supply water to the rising population of the city.
2. The government should partner with the private sector to provide sewerage and garbage
collection services.
3. Building of affordable housing to replace the slums.
4. Development of infrastructure such as road bypasses and flyovers to decongest the city.
5. Implementation of cost, sharing programmes to expand social services.
Johannesburg.
1. It’s located on the highland plateau of the Gauteng province.
2. In 1886 gold was discovered in the Witwatersrand region of the province.
3. This prompted the government to send two officials to go and investigate the claims and
identity a suitable site for settlement. These were Johann risk and Johannes Joubert.
4. It is from their names that the city got its name.
5. It is nicknamed Egoli, which means ``place of gold’’, as 40% of the world’s gold is found
there.
Factors for growth of Johannesburg.
1. The discovery of gold led to its growth.
2. There was large number of population to provide labour which was to be used in industries
and mines.
3. The government initiated policies that favoured industries and encouraged their
establishment in Johannesburg.
4. The location of the town on a veld (plain) near the Vaal River made construction work easy
and development.
5. The availabity of coal which served as the major source of the city’s energy.
6. There was a variety of industries like iron, diatomite and chloride.
7. There was availability of food stuffs grown in the province that ensured food stability.
8. The banking services were introduced in Johannesburg to serve the mines.
Functions of Johannesburg.
1. It is a transport and communication centre with road, rail and air links to major towns.
2. It’s an industrial centre with major manufacturing industries.
3. It has commercial, financial institutions and companies from other parts of the world.
4. It is an educational centre with many educational institutions.
5. The city is a tourist centre and attracts many tourists from various parts of the world.
Problems facing Johannesburg.
1. Over population has resulted into shortage of housing and growth of slums.
2. There is a high level of unemployment due to the influx of the people from the neighbouring
countries.
3. The city has high crime rate which may be attributed to unemployment.
4. Heavy concentration of industries has led to industrial pollution.
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CHAPTER SIX
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF
AFRICAN SOCIETIES IN THE 19TH CENTURY.
Buganda Kingdom.
Factors for its growth.
1. Hard strong rulers that is kibugwa, katerregga and Mutebi. (Bunyore-Kitara).
2. Had good, strong and able rulers in the 19th century, who were able to unite their people and
restructure the existing administration system.
3. It was a small and compact kingdom which was to hold together.
4. It enjoyed strategic, social and political advantages like geographically it lies next to l. Victoria
with good means of internal communication and natural defence against neighbours.
5. It also traded with Waswahili and Arab traders for commodities like plates, cups, saucers and
glassware which lead to arms acquirement.
6. It also enjoyed good climate with ample rainfall for the growth of bananas which was stable
food.
7. It had good security which made it concentrated on political organization.
8. It had a strong army which was loyal to the king as he appointed his own loyal chiefs with royal
navy that kept guard over l. Victoria.
9. The Ganda tradition also contributed to the growth of the kingdom, farming done by women,
men in activities of politics, carpentry, war, bark-cloth making and smiting.
10. They also acquired a lot of wealth from areas she conquered like ivory, slaves, livestock and iron
ore us it held the kingdom to be strong.
11. The centralized government that was introduced in Buganda enhanced her growth.
It had a centralized kingdom lead by Kabaka who had absolute power and kabaka was hereditary
up to his death and inherited by the son. Kabaka’s court was nerve centre and all symbols of
royal authority were kept in court, like the throne (Namulondo) royal drums, spears and stools.
Work of kabaka.
1. Head of traditional religion (the Lubaale)
2. Hard supernatural power.
3. He was judiciary head and final court of appeal.
4. He was the commander-in –chief of the armed forces.
5. He had a wife from every clan in the community.
6. He could appoint and transfer or dismiss whoever he wanted.
There were officials like queen mother and queen sister (Ubanga), katikiro (prime minister),
Omulamuzi (chief justice), Omuwanika (treasurer) and Mugama (heads of clans).
Others were Musenero( the chief butter) and Mfumbiro (the chief baker).
Katikiro.
1. He organised tax collections.
2. Planned wars in kabaka’s name.
3. Protected kabaka during war.
4. He was to inform the kabaka of the decisions he made on court issues.
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Lukiko.
It was an assembly of chiefs and kabaka had 69 members.
It was a law making body.
It was nominated by kabaka.
Had the following roles.
1. Advised kabaka mainly on matters affecting the country.
2. They represented the people’s concerns and needs to the kabaka.
3. Acted as final court of appeal in setting disputes.
4. They directed collection of taxes in the kingdom and planned expenditure.
5. They helped the kabaka in general administration.
Bataka.
1. They were minor chiefs in charge of clans and answerable to Mugema.
2. They were guardians of the clan’s land.
3. They inherited their positions.
4. They collected tributes and maintained law and order.
5. They were rewarded land due to loyalty.
6. Their sons appointed to serve the kabaka (Bagalagala)
Political organization.
It was headed by kabaka(king) who was respected as the supreme judge.
The kingdom had counties called Sazas lead by a Saza chief.
The counties were sub-divided into sub-counties called Gombolola.
The Gombolola were divided into smaller divisions called Miluka which were presided over by
Muluka chief.
Kabaka also appointed some leaders to govern the vassal states.
The kabaka was hereditary.
There were courts to judge and symbols in the kingdom.
Kabaka hard superhuman powers.
Social organization.
They were based on clans which had its own traditions.
They were divided into classes (4 classes).
They believed in supreme creator, Katonda to whom the head of the homestead prayed every
morning.
They believed in other gods, Balubaale.
They had prophets who consulted Balubaale.
They had royal shrines which opposite Kabaka’s palace.
Economic organization.
1. It was based on the agriculture, peasants cultivated millet, sweet potatoes and vegetables.
2. The most important crop was banana.
3. There were also other economic activities like canoe building, bark-cloth manufacture, fishing,
salt mining, herding, iron-working and basketry.
4. There was crop rotation system.
5. Trade had become very important economic activities and markets were a regular part of life.
6. There was foreign trade with Swahili and Arab traders.
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Work of Omanhene.
1. Give the right of declaring war on other Omanhene.
2. Recognize the right of Asantehene to impose national levies, especially during wars and national
calamities.
3. Attended the annual Odwira festival, to pay allegiance to the Asantehene, honour the dead and
settle disputes.
4. Grand own subjects the right to appeal to the high court set up by the four unions in the capital.
5. Provincial Asante. These comprised of all the state conquered by the Asante in the 18th century.
6. These states pledged loyalty to the Asantehene by paying taxes.
7. They also had members in the Asantehens army.
Economic factors.
1. It was located in a rich area in terms of land fertility and rainfall.
2. It had Atlantic trade routes converged in this region.
3. It provided gold, slaves and ivory to the trans-Atlantic traders.
4. They also received cotton cloth, guns and gun powder.
5. The Asante also served as middlemen and carried goods from Cape Verde and Benin to the gold
coast in exchange for gold and ivory.
6. Slaves became a very important item of trade.
7. Asante also kept livestock such as cattle.
8. Asante grew many crops in their rich agricultural land.
9. They practised iron working and made other crafts such as baskets and pots.
Social organization.
They are part of Akan-speaking people.
They observed a forty-day calendar and had the same marriage and naming rite.
They had matrilineal taboo against marrying from within ones maternal or paternal clan.
They had Odwira festivals.
They also had the golden stool ceremony.
There were also slaves who provided labour.
They also hard polygamous families.
Decline of the Asante empire.
Internal factors.
1. Opuku ware, who was succeeded Osei tutu in 1720, failed to incorporate the conquered areas in
the Asante union as his predecessors had done.
2. After his death in 1750, there was no immediate personality to unify the empire after the death of
Opuku ware.
3. There followed a long period of rebellions after 1750.
External factors.
1. In 1896, the British occupied Asante and arrested the Asantehene.
2. The traditional rivals of the Asante, the Fante, enlisted the support of the British in a number of
wars in the 19th century.
3. In 1894, the Asante were defeated. The subject states took advantage and broke away.
The Shona
The shone are a bantu-speaking group that inhabited the high fertile plateau between the
Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. This area is part of modern Zimbabwe.
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CHAPTER SEVEN
CONSTITUTION AND CONSTITUTION MAKING.
Meaning of constitution.
It’s a set of principles and rules which states how a country is governed, its organization and
aspirations and establishes the structure of government and distributes of power among various
arms of government.
It also spells out the rights of the citizens as well as their responsibilities and duties in relation to
the state.
Types of constitutions.
Written
Unwritten
Written constitutions.
It’s where the fundamental principles and rules of the state are containing in one document.
Its prepared by a designated body then enacted and adopted through a clearly defined procedure
like the American constitution that was written in 1789 and enacted in 1789.
Advantages of written constitution.
1. The document is readily available for reference in times of crisis.
2. It’s rigid and not prone to tampering with.
3. It is clear and definite in addressing various issues.
4. It clearly outlines the powers, terms, relations and duties of different organs of government,
ensuring they don’t come into conflict with each other.
5. It helps to promote national unity in a country.
6. It helps in safeguarding the interests and rights of minority groups.
Disadvantages.
1. It sometimes fails to respond to emerging issue due to its rigidness.
2. The procedure of amendment is slow and cause delays which could lead to civil disorder
3. Some are detailed and rarely understood by ordinary citizens.
4. It tends to make judiciary too powerful as it is the organ that interprets the document.
Unwritten constitution.
It’s where fundamental principles and rules of a state are not contained in a single document but
are drawn from various sources.
Examples of unwritten documents.
Constitutional milestone: like magna carte (1215) this was agreed between king john and the
nobility that guaranteed certain privileges for all Englishmen.
Legislation: These are part of the fundamental principles of the state and contribute to its
aspirations like.
The petition of right act (1628) that prevented the state from raising taxes without the
consent of parliament.
The habeas corpus act (1679) that established the right of prisoners to an immediate trial.
The bill of rights act (1689) that limited the power of the monarchy.
The act of settlement (1701) that granted independency to the judiciary.
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The act of union (1707) that united the parliament of Scotland and England.
The parliament acts (1911, 1949) that limited the powers of the House of Lords to delay
legislation.
Parliamentary act (1918, 1928) that allowed women to vote.
The peerage act (1963) that prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, colour or ethnic
origin.
Representation of the people act (1969) that lowered the voting age to eighteen.
Case law: this refers to specific rulings made by the British courts that have had an impact on the
principles of the state.
Parliamentary customs: These are traditions, customs and rules of British parliament form part of
constitution and are contained in the Hansard.
Commentaries: these are the writings, opinions and assertions of respected scholars.
Constitutional conventions: these are political traditions or agreements which have been followed
or applied over a period of time.
Advantages of unwritten constitution.
1. They are simple to amend as they are altered like ordinary law.
2. They are acceptable due to its home-grown.
3. They are flexible and easily adoptable to prevailing situations in the state.
Disadvantages of unwritten constitution.
1. It tends to be indefinite and imprecise in comparison to the written ones.
2. The ease and simplicity with which such constitutions can be amended leaves them open to
manipulation by the legislator.
3. Too much power is given to the judiciary that has responsibility of interpreting the
constitution.
4. It does not guarantee sufficient protection of the rights of citizens.
5. It tends to overload the judiciary as they look for constitutional principles not only in judicial
decisions but in statutes.
Characteristics of a good constitution.
1. It must define its content clearly.
2. Comprehensive so as to cover all aspects of government.
3. Able to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens.
4. Durable and elastic.
Constitution making process in Kenya
The independence constitution was not made directly by the people. It was negotiated in London
at Lancaster house between the British government and representatives of Kenya’s political
parties who were members of the legislative council.
Since independence many amendments to the constitution have been done.
The inter parties parliamentary group. (IPPG)
The parliament formed a forum as part of constitution changes in august 1997, this forum agreed
on limited reforms to ensure free and fair general elections in 1997.
Constitution of Kenya review act
This was passed in 1997.
It was to provide a legislative framework, structure and vision of the constitution review process
after the 1997 elections.
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The act, however did not satisfy all, stakeholders held a series of meetings in 1998 at Bomas of
Kenya and at safari park hotel in Nairobi to try and find a consensus which lead to amendment
of the act in 1998.
The major parties did not agree on the nomination of the members to the constitution of Kenya
review commission. (CKRC)
This led to establishment of two parallel review processes, one, the CKRC appointed by the
parliament and the president under the review act and the other led by a coalition of religious
and civil organisation, with support of political parties.
This was called Ufungamano initiative held in Ufungamano house, to avoid stalemate,
negotiations were held between November 2000 and May 2001, resulting in the amendment of
the review act may 2001.
The 2001 act established a number of organs to guide the review process like.
The constitution of Kenya review commission. (CKRC)
The constituency constitutional forum. (CCF).
The referendum.
The national assembly.
The constitution of Kenya review commission.
It had 29 commissioners nominated by the national assembly and pointed by the president.
Its main function was to facilitate the comprehensive review of constitution by the people of
Kenya.
It was chaired by professor Yash Pal Ghai.
Constituency constitutional forum.
It was based at every constituency.
It was to collect and debate the views of the members of the public.
The national constitutional conference.
It was to debate, amend and adopt the draft constitution.
It had 629 members as shown below:
222 members of national assembly.
210 representatives of districts elected by county councils.
29 members of the CKRC.
42 members representing political parties.
125 representatives of religious, professional women group, trade unions and other non-
governmental organisations.
It discussed the views of the people and came up with a draft constitution, famously known as
Bomas draft.
The referendum.
It provided for a referendum to be held within one month if there was no consensus on any issue
during the national constitution conference.
The national assembly.
The act empowered the national assembly as the sole body to enact the bill to change the
constitution.
Once the NCC had adopted the draft bill and the people had approved it at the referendum, the
CKRC would prepare the final draft bill to be presented to the attorney general for tabling before
the national assembly which will enact the bill under the parliamentary select committee.
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The government of Kenya was headed by the prime minister, appointed by the governor-general.
The prime minister was to be chosen from among the members of the House of Representatives
and was expected to enjoy the support of majority of the members.
b) The legislature.
There were two houses the senate and national assembly who did the legislative work.
The House of Representatives had 112 directly elected members, representing constituencies and
served for five years.
The senate or upper house comprised of 41 directly elected members, each representing a district
and one for Nairobi.
c) The judiciary.
The constitution established an independent judiciary, according to the judges and the attorney-
general security of tenure.
d) Federalism.
Kenya was divided into seven regions, each of which had its own legislative and executive
structures.
e) Rights and freedoms.
There was a section that spelt out the right and freedoms of all of the Kenya’s citizens i.e. a bill
of rights.
f) Citizenship.
Members of all the indigenous Kenyan communities were entitled to Kenyan citizenship, as
were specific members of the migrant communities, especially the European and Asian.
It also spelt out the necessary conditions for the acquisition of citizenship.
g) Democracy.
It provided for multi-party democracy in Kenya.
The issue of independent electoral commission and competitive electoral process.
Constitutional changes since independence up august 2010.
Changes in the legislature.
1965.
If a member of parliament is sentenced to prison term of six or more months he would lose his
seat.
A Member of Parliament who missed eight consecutive parliamentary meetings without the
speaker’s permission would lose his seat.
1966.
A member who resigned from the party that sponsored him to parliament was to vacate his or
her seat.
The bicameral legislature, were merged, establishing a unicameral legislature called the national
assembly.
All candidates vying for an election were to be nominated by a political party.
The 12 specially elected members were substituted with 12 members nominated by the
president.
1975.
English and Kiswahili were used as a means of communication.
1982.
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1986.
The number of parliamentary constituencies was raised to a maximum of 188.
1991.
Section 2A was repealed making Kenya a multi-party state.
The number of parliamentary constituencies was fixed at a maximum of 210.
1997.
The power to appoint nominated members of the national assembly was passed to the political
parties.
2010.
Members of parliament were increased from 210 to 290.
Bicameral legislature was introduced.
County assemblies were introduced in the counties to pass legislations.
Changes in the executive.
1964.
The post of executive president who was the head of state and government was created.
The position of the prime minister and governor-general was abolished.
1966.
The public security act was passed, allowing the president special emergency powers such as
detaining people without trial.
President elected directly by all voters.
The vice-president would act for 90 days in case a vacancy in the office of the president.
1969.
All members of electoral commission members were appointed by the president.
1975.
President was allowed to pardon election offenders.
1979.
Public servants who desired to vie for positions in general elections were required to resign six
months before the general elections.
1982.
The position of chief secretary as the head of civil service was created.
1985.
Membership to the public service commission was increased from 7 to 17 members.
1986.
The security of tenure of the offices of attorney-general, controller and auditor-general was
lifted.
Chief Secretary Position was abolished.
1990.
The security of tenure attorney-general, controller and auditor-general was restored.
1992.
The presidential term of office was limited to two.
1997.
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Voting process.
Mechanism of dealing with electoral disputes.
It also establishes the independent electoral and boundaries commission and provides for 290
constituencies for election of members to the national assembly. It regulates the establishment of
political parties.
Legislature.
It established the bi-cameral legislature.
It touches on:
Composition and membership of parliament.
Qualifications for election as a member of parliament.
Representation of marginalised groups.
Election of members of parliament.
Clerks and staff of parliament.
Terms of parliament.
Vacation of office of Member of Parliament.
Parliament’s general procedures and rules.
Bills concerning county government.
Officers of parliaments.
Right to recall.
Procedure for enacting legislation.
The executive.
It has the president, deputy president and cabinet.
The president is the head of state and government.
Judiciary.
It creates and independent judiciary.
It has system of courts with superior courts and sub-ordinate courts.
The superior courts are the Supreme Court, the high court and the court of appeal.
Subordinate courts are the magistrate and Kadhis court.
There is the judicial service commission and the judiciary fund.
Devolution.
It’s the sharing of power between the national and county government.
Public finance.
There is equitable sharing of national revenue.
There is an equalisation fund, consolidation fund and revenue funds for county government.
There is a commission on revenue allocation and a central bank.
National security.
There is establishment of a public service commission and teachers service commission.
The values and principles of public service are outlined.
National security.
The Kenya defence forces.
The national intelligence service.
The national police.
There is also the Security Council.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS.
Defination of Democracy
The term democracy is derived from the Greek word Democratia; which is formed from two
words demos, (people) and kratos (power or rule). This there means rule of the people.
Democracy is a form of government where the political decisions are directly in the hands of the
citizens.
Abraham Lincoln, he definite it as a government of the people, for the people and by the people.
Aspects of democracy.
a) Political aspects. Its where there is sharing the consent of the governed is sought when
making political decisions which is expressed directly or indirectly through their elected
representatives.
b) Social aspects. Is stress the value of human dignity, people are free to organize their own
lifestyle, hold and express opinions, move about and enjoy the company of others.
c) Economic aspects. It aims at providing equal opportunities to all citizens and seeks to
eliminate exploration of humans by fellow humans.
Types of democracy.
Direct (pure) democracy.
This is where all adult member of the society is free to participate directly in the affairs of state
like legislation, policy and appointment or dismissal of public officials.
It is practised through various ways like referendum, plebiscite and initiative recall.
a) Referendum: this means must be referred to the people.
b) Plebiscite: it is a device to obtain a direct popular vote on a matter of political importance.
c) Initiative: the people initiate the legislation and refer it to the legislature for consideration.
d) Recall: this is a method by which and elected representatives or official can be removed or
dismissed. It also features in the constitution of Kenya.
Indirect (representative) democracy.
This is a system where the members of a state choose representatives to run their affairs.
Characteristics of indirect democracy.
Universal suffrage.
Every person of age 18 and above has a right to vote.
Free and fair election.
There should be a transparency in election.
People supremacy.
The supreme controlling power is vested in the people and they exercise it through voting at
regular election.
Principles of democracy.
Consent of the people.
The supreme controlling power is the people; leadership in a democratic society should
accommodate people’s needs and aspirations.
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Equality.
There is need for equality among the people regardless of colour, sex or creed and provides
every participant with equal opportunity to participate in the process of airing their views.
Peace.
The location in which democracy is expected to flourish should be free of all forms of
intimidation and unrest that would deter people from freely expressing their opinions on various
issues.
The rule of law.
Democracy recognises equality of everyone before the law with fair and outcome acceptable to
the majority.
Balance of liberty.
The state makes the laws based on the consent of the people who are obliged to obey the law
without feeling that their liberty is unduly restricted.
Transparency and accountability.
There is openness and accountability; this gives the citizens the confidence to trust their
institutions.
Competition.
In democracy, different ideas compete for the citizens, attention and opinion.
Free press.
A responsible, free, independent and objective press is one of the pillars of democracy.
Regular and free elections.
The elections should be free and fair; this allows citizens to express their will.
Multi-partysm.
There is need to have many political parties in the country due to democracy.
Economic freedom.
There is economic freedom through private ownership of property and a free market economy.
Citizens are free to pursue professions of their choice.
Bill of rights.
This is where bills of rights and freedom of the individuals are spelt out which forms part of
constitution.
Advantages of democracy
1. It is widely accepted form of government.
2. It allows fair competition for power between all people.
3. Promotes a sense of accountability and responsibility among leaders.
4. Promotes fundamental rights and freedoms.
5. Enables citizens to peacefully change their governments regularly and this minimises chances of
political instability.
6. It promotes co-existence thus encourage international co-operation.
7. Serves as a means of political education since civic education is carried out before elections.
Disadvantages of democracy.
1. It disregards the interest of the minority.
2. It is expensive to implement since both civic education and general elections require funding.
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3. The wealthy use their resources to influence the voters at the expense of those with limited
resources.
4. Its time consuming since certain procedures must be followed and the views of the majority
sought before important decisions are made.
5. It may promote inefficient leadership. As those elected are the most popular but may not possess
the best leadership qualities.
Human Rights.
They are powers of free action, which every individual is endowed with by virtue of belonging
to the human race.
The United Nations charter on human rights.
This was formed after the Second World War in a conference in San Francisco in 1945.
It emphasised respect for basic human freedoms and set declaration on general principles of
human rights and a convention to define specific human rights. On 10th December 1948, it
adopted universal declaration of human right which was known as UN Charter on human rights.
All countries which signed the charter undertook to promote human rights which the charter
outlines as:
1. Right to self-determination.
2. Equality among gender.
3. The right to work.
4. The right to just and favourable working conditions.
5. The right to and adequate standard of living.
6. The right to physical and mental health.
7. The right to life.
8. The right to fair trial.
The importance of UN Charter on human rights.
1. Protection of venerable groups that is the minority like children, women, the disabled from
discrimination and exploitation.
2. Provision of health care to the citizen by the government.
3. The charter guarantees the individual’s right to a fair trial.
4. It promotes human dignity by emphasising the protection of fundamental human rights.
5. There is protection of gender by equal opportunities and treatment for both men and women.
6. It helps to promote the secretarial integrity and sovereignty of nations.
The Kenyan bill of rights.
The bill of rights is an expression of fundamental human rights and freedoms spelt out in a
convention or constitution of a state which is contained in chapter four of the constitution of
Kenya. It’s divided into five parts.
1. General provisions relating to the bill of right.
2. Rights and fundamental freedoms.
3. Specific application of rights.
4. State of emergency.
5. The Kenya national human rights and equality commission.
Purpose of the bills of rights.
1. To preserve the dignity of individuals and communities.
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