What is Civics; Civics form one Complete notes

Civics is the study of human rights and responsibilities of citizens, the governance and environment in which our society is found. In civics
we study
The environment in which we live in
Governance and government
Human rights and responsibilities of citizens
Social cultural and economic development
Importance of studying civics
1. To understand human rights e.g. rights to life associate with workship.
2. To understand duties and responsibilities of citizens
3. To understand environment in which we live in.
4. To promote peace and security in our society.
5. To understand and up hold our culture.
6. To establish good relationship and respect.
7. To understand road safety for example causes of road accident and measures to be taken in preventing road accident.
Definition of the concept
A family: Is a social group people are closely related to each other which comprise father, mother, children and sometimes close
relatives like uncles, aunt etc.
A clan is a combination of various families.
A tribe is a group of different clans whose people of the same culture history and language barrier. Therefore the combinations of
several tribes make up the population of nation.
A Nation can be defined as a large group or community of people living in a defined geographical area and sharing a common history,
culture and language under one government. Examples of nations include Tanzania, Japan, Zimbabwe, India and Uganda. A nation should be
recognized by other nations as a sovereign state and should be free to decide and implement its own policies. It should not be part of
another nation nor should it be under the control of another nation.
The Components of our Nation
For any nation to be recognized as a nation it must have the following components: Sovereignty, People, culture, boundaries and
government
1. Sovereignty
Sovereignty can be defined as the highest power which belongs to the people. National sovereignty means that a nation is free to decide
and implement its decisions without being interfered with by any external forces from other nations. A nation should be able to run its
political, economic and social matters independently.
Importance of National sovereignty
National sovereignty is important because it maintains good relations with other nations through promoting good foreign policies
on matters concerning other nations.
It helps maintain peace and security of a nation through execution of national laws, rules and regulations to prevent civil wars
and conflicts with other nations.
It brings about national stability and encourages investors to invest in a country because a national is free to establish policies
that will encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the country.
Citizens are free from being dominated by other nations because of non-interference in the control of the nation by other
countries.
Hindrances to national sovereignty
Poverty. This is the inability to afford basic needs like food, shelter and clothing which is the main problem faced in many African
countries whereby most are economically poor. This results in African countries depending on developed countries for help through
grants and aid which create conditions that violate the sovereignty of some African countries.
Civil wars. The fighting between ethnic groups within the same nation can affect the freedom of the nation because when the
nation fails to maintain peace and security within the nation, United Nations will intervene to protect human rights.
Natural hazards. Disasters such as floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions undermine the economies of poor countries which
in turn hinder national sovereignty since the government cannot depend on its own capabilities and needs to ask for assistance
from other countries through aid.
2. Population
Population is the number of people living in a particular defined area. According to the 2010 population survey report, Tanzania has over 40
million people. More than 80% of Tanzania's population lives in rural areas. Tanzania mainland has over 125 ethnic groups. Kiswahili is the
common language and the largest population group is Bantu who occupy approximately two-thirds of the country and are divided into many
tribes. Within the population is where we can find leaders, citizens and the army which protects the country and builds up a strong nation.
3. Boundaries
National boundaries are the dividing lines between the area belonging to Tanzania and the area belonging to her neighboring countries.
Tanzania was formed on the 26th April 1964. On that day, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form thecountry currently known asTanzania.
Our country Tanzania covers a total area of 945,202 square kilometersand is bordered by man-made and natural boundaries. Natural
boundaries of Tanzania includethe Indian Ocean to the East, Mount Kilimanjaro to the North, Ruvuma River to the South, Lake Nyasa to the
south west, and Lake Victoria to the North and Lake Tanganyika to the West.
Tanzania is bordered by eight nations, namely Kenya and Uganda to the North, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo to the
West, Mozambique to the South, Malawi and Zambia to the South West. The Indian Ocean borders Tanzanian’s Eastern side. The islands of
Zanzibar and Pemba lie along the coast of Tanzania Mainland.
4. The Government
The government is an administrative organ of the state. It consists of elected and selected groups of people who are responsible for
controlling and maintaining the laws and orders of a country. The state has three organs which assist each other in fulfilling its functions.
These organs are:
1. The Executive. The Executive is the main branch of the central government and comprises of the president, the cabinet, civil servants
and armed forces. The Executive is responsible for administering various activities of the government.
2. Judiciary. This organ functions to interpret the laws and make rulings over disputes in the state.
3. Legislature is the law making body of the state. It is the state organ whose members are elected to represent different constituencies.
Some of them are appointed. Legislature is also called parliament and is comprised of the President and the National Assembly. The
President is part of the parliament but not a member of the parliament. This is because the president does not participate in
parliamentary discussions but participates in the process of making laws by signing the bills to become laws.
5. Culture
Refers to the customs and beliefs of a particular group of people. It also includes the people`s way of life and social organization.
TANZANIA'S NATIONAL SYMBOLS
A symbol is a sign that represents something. National symbols are signs which represent a nation. These symbols are very important as
they serve as a reminder of our nationhood to us and to the rest of the world; they promote our culture and remind us about events that
have taken place in our nation. Tanzania has several symbols; these include tangible things like money, flags and the coat of arms, as well as
intangible things like the national anthem and language.
The following are the major national symbols in Tanzania:
1. The national flag
2. Presidential standard
3. The coat of arms
4. National Anthem
5. Uhuru Torch
6. National currency
7. National Language
8. The national Constitution
9. National festivals (holidays) in Tanzania
The Significance of each National Symbol
A. The national flag
A national flag is a piece of cloth with a special colour design. The national flag of Tanganyika was hoisted for the first time on the 9 th
December, 1961 and that of the United Republic of Tanzania was hoisted for the first time on the 26 th April 1964, when Tanganyika and
Zanzibar united to form Tanzania. The main function of the national Flag is to show that Tanzania is a completely independent and
sovereign nation. Our Flag has four colors; Green, Yellow, Black and Blue.
1. Green represents the land and vegetation of Tanzania
2. Blue represents the ocean and other water bodies found in the country
3. Black represents the people of Tanzania
4. Yellow represent the natural wealth of Tanzania, like minerals
Importance of national flag
1. It is a symbol of our independence/sovereignty
2. It is a symbol of freedom and unity of the people
3. The National flag is also a symbol of the nationality and a symbol of Tanzania culture
B. Presidential standard
The presidential standard is a flag which is used during official ceremonies where the president is in attendance. It has a green background
with a blue and the coat of arms in the middle. The coat of arms on the presidential standard has no crops, human figure or the peak of
Mount Kilimanjaro.
C. The coat of arms
The coat of arms is an official seal or stamp of the government which comprises different colors and landmarks of Tanzania. It act as
national badge and, therefore, all government publications bear this official seal. Our coat of arms has twelve components. These
components represent various national interests such as state power, economic bases, national culture and history.
Compositions of the coat of arms
The coat of arms comprises of the following 12 components.
1. Two human fingers: man and woman represent people of Tanzania. The two figure symbolize cooperation between men and women in
bringing development.
2. National flag : The flag as a symbol of national freedom.
3. Uhuru torch: The torch represents national freedom and prosperity.
4. Crossed axe and hoe : These represent the tools which Tanzania used to develop their country.
5. Elephant tusks: As symbol for national resources (plant and animal/wildlife).
6. Shield and spear: As a symbol for tradition weapons of defense.
7. Sea waves: Represent parts of water bodies such as Ocean, river, lake of Tanzania.
8. Cloves and cotton: Stands for cash crops produced in Tanzania.
9. The inscription UHURU NA UMOJA - This means freedom and unity, it is the national moto of the United Republic of Tanzania.
0. Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro: This mount is a source of pride for Tanzania
1. Golden band on the upper part of the shield: Represent the mineral wealth of the country.
2. Red band on the shield: Represent fertile red soil in Tanzania
Importance of Coat of Arm
1. National symbol for Tanzania as a state.
2. It symbolizes state political and economical bases
3. It symbolize our national culture and history
4. A seal of the president and government
5. A symbol of state sovereignty freedom and unity of the people.
D. National Anthem
This is the official song which reflects people`s national feelings, desire, glory and pride in their nationality. The Tanzanian national anthem
is sung during important national occasions such as when a special announcement is made by the president; when foreign heads of states
visit our country; When the president or the vice president and the prime minister visit another country officially, and when our national
teams are playing against teams of other countries; before and after the president addresses the nation; and when the national flag is
hoisted.
The National Anthem of Tanzania.
1. Mungu ibariki Africa
Wabariki viongozi wake
Hekima umoja na amani
Hizi ni ngao zetu
Africa na watu wake
Ibariki A-frica
Ibariki A-frika
Tubariki watoto wa Africa
2. Mungu ibariki Tanzania
Dumisha uhuru na umoja
Wake kwa waume na watoto
Mungu ibariki
Tanzania na watu wake
Ibariki Tanzania
Ibariki Tanzania
Tubariki watoto wa Tanzania
Importance of the national anthem
It is a symbol of our nationality , freedom and it unifies Tanzanians
It makes citizens feel proud of their country
National anthem expresses a sense of belonging to Tanzania and Africa
It identifies Tanzania outside the country.
E. The Uhuru Torch
Is commonly known as the independence torch. Introduce fro the first time by president of Tanzania M.J. Kambarage Nyerere to symbolize
freedom, unity, love, dignity, solidality and hope. It was first lit top of Mount Kilimanjaro at mid night on 9 th December 1961. This was the
day when Tanganyika got independence from Britain. Every year there is the Uhuru torch races. The race starts and ends at different
important points in the country. The torch causes positive social political and economic message.
Significance of Uhuru Torch.
1. It symbolize freedom and light
2. It promotes unity in the country
3. It promotes development through projects initiated during race e.g. school and health centers
4. Promotes peace dignity respect and hope among Tanzanians.
F. National Currency.
Currency is the system of money that a country uses. The Tanzania national currency is Shillings. The value of shilling always appears as
coin/notes. Currency is also called Money. Money is used for measuring value trading and paying for goods and services in a country. It is
also use a means of settling debts.
Importance of National Currency.
1. It is used in buying and selling (Trade transaction)
2. It is used to measure value.
3. It is identity of nationality and freedom.
4. It is a mean of setting debts.
G. National Language
This is the language spoken by all the people within a country. The national language of Tanzania is Kiswahili.
Importance of the national language
1. The national language acts as the media of communication within a county.
2. It symbolizes the culture of the nation concerned which is Tanzania
3. It unifies people with a common history.
4. It also identifies the country internationally
H. National Constitution.
A constitution is the system of laws and basic principles by which the national is governed. Our country is ruled according to the
constitution written 1977 since then it has been undergoing some amendments to suit the contemporary changes.
Importance of National Constitution
1. It is the basic law from which other laws are created.
2. It describes form and content of the Tanganyika government.
3. The government rules by the will of the people through the constitution.
4. It describes clearly the relationship between citizens and state leaders.
5. It shows the structure of the state organs.
6. It states clearly the distributions of power among the state organs.
7. It promotes human rights.
nzania's National Festivals and their Significance
National festivals are special public days created by the state which exempt people from doing any government or official work and
therefore people are expected to rest. In Tanzania these days are called Public holidays.
Civic national festival holidays.
These are special days that commemorate events which have profound meaning politically. Sometimes they are known as civic national
festivals and holidays Political public holidays in Tanzania are;
Independence day – fall on 9 th December each year.
Union day – f a l l o n 26 th April each year.
Zanzibar Revolution – fall on 12 th January each year.
Nane nane day – fall on 8 th August each year.
Mayday (workers day)- fall on 1 st May each year.
Sabasaba day – fall on 7 th July each year
Nyerere day – fall on 14 th October each year
Karume day – fall on 7 th April each year
New year day – fall on every 1 st January.
Religious national holiday and festival
These days are marked by special religious events or festivals according to the beliefs and faith of particular group of people. In Tanzania
there are two dominant religious, namely Christianity and Islamic.
1. Christmas day – fall on 25 December each year.
2. Boxing day – fall on 26 December each year
3. Good Friday and Easter Monday holiday- depends on the Christmas calendar
4. Eid-el-Fitri and Eid-el-Haj pilgrimage to Mecca depends on the sight of the moon according to Muslim.
5. Mauled day – according to Islamic calendar
Universal public days
These are special days for the rest and celebration for all people in the world. These universal holidays are;
1. New Year – falls on 1 st January each year
2. Workers day/ labour day – falls on 1st May each year
Importance of national festivals/ public days
The followings are the Importance of national festivals/ public days;
1) These days mark important events in our country
2) The celebration keep the history alive since Tanzania are reminded of what has taken place in their country
3) During these events leaders pass important information to the public
4) Public celebration provides an opportunity for citizens to meet and share views, experience and knowledge.
5) Celebrating together enhance the unity of Tanzanians.
6) Annual celebrations impart on Tanzanians the culture of commemorating important national events.
7) These events helps the leaders to identify problems in the society as citizens highlight their problems through speeches, posters,
drama or songs.