UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (InED)

 

PAD 170 : GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

 

SEMESTER JUNE- OCTOBER 2013

 

GROUP RESEARCH & SEMINAR PRESENTATION (MARKS : 10%)

 

As part of the Course assessment, you are required to do some research as a group  and collect some relevant information on the topics given below. These topics are covered under the syllabus for PAD 170. Besides reading the course materials, reference books, lecture notes and the Federal Constitution, you are advised to access the official websites of the relevant government agencies and the internet  to gather the required information.  Based on your group research, you should present your information and findings to the class on the scheduled dates. You are required to make  sufficient copies of your research reports and circulate them to all students during your presentation.

 

For the pupose of the  presentation at the Seminar, each Group  (consisting of about 8-10  students) will be given  twenty (20) minutes. You should keep your presentation to the time limit set. The objective of this group work is to encourage students to carry out independent research and gain more knowledge on the topics covered under the Course syllabus, to work as a team, to help them speak in public and to ensure that they are active (not passive) during the seminars. Each Group will elect a leader who will coordinate the  Group’s research  presentation. The leader will also assign specific  tasks to each member of the Group. Each member of a Group will be involved in presenting the topic chosen.

 

Please note that you are not allowed to read word for word from your prepared notes/reports.  This means that  during your presentation, you should focus on the main points of your topic using your own words. Those who read everything from  the prepared texts will not get good marks. Reading from prepared notes will put your friends to sleep during the seminars. They will also get bored and will not be able to follow the presentation or understand what you try to  explain. Please remember this.

 

 

 GROUP ASSIGNMENT 1 : THE LEGISLATURE

   

·         Explain the structure, composition and functions of the Malaysian Parliament.

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of a bicameral legislature?

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of a unicameral legislature?

       Any other relevant matter

 

 Date of Presentation:  18. 8. 2013 ( 4th  Seminar)

 

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 2 :  THE EXECUTIVE

 

 

            Date of Presentation :  18. 8. 2013  (4th Seminar)

 

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 3 : THE JUDICIARY

 

·         Using a chart, explain the structure and functions of   the Judiciary (i.e. the courts  system ) in Malaysia

·         What are the qualifications required of a person to be appointed as a judge in Malaysia?

·         How are judges appointed in Malaysia?

·         Explain the jurisdiction (powers) of the Superior Courts in Malaysia.

·         Explain the concept of the  'Independence of the judiciary.'

·         How is judicial  independence  secured in Malaysia?

      Any other relevant matter

 

Date of Presentation:  18. 8. 2013   (4th Seminar)

 

 

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 4 : THE CIVIL SERVICE / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

 

·         Explain what is meant by “Civil or Public Service.”

·         Explain the meaning, features and functions of  “Public Administration.”

·         Explain the concept of the “Neutrality of the Civil Service.”

·         Explain any two important issues in public administration in Malaysia.

      Any other relevant matter

 

Date of Presentation:  8. 9. 2013  ( 5th Seminar) 

 

 

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 5 : ELECTION , PARTY SYSTEM &  INTEREST (PRESSURE)  GROUPS

                

             Explain the importance of an election.

            

             Define 'Political Parties' and 'Pressure groups.'

             

             Explain the functions of political parties.

 

       Explain  the differences between political parties and pressure groups.

 

            Date of Presentation:   8. 9. 2013 ( 5th Seminar) 

 

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 6 : VOTING BEHAVIOUR

 

You are required to conduct interviews with as many  young friends (age between 21- 35)  as possible (inside & outside the campus) to find out:

·         How they  would vote in an election – in other words,  What factors they  would consider as very significant  before they vote in an election (either for a party or a candidate).

Try to get as many views as possible. After conducting the interviews, prepare a chart to list out the results of your survey and present it to the class. Please note that you should rank the factors identified according to the order of importance or in the order of preference of your respondents. 

Before you carry out the research, please read the course materials and internet resources on Voting Behaviour.

 

                Date of Presentation :   8. 9. 2013  ( 5th Seminar)

 

 

Peter Johnson/PAD 170/Group Research /  June 2013