Define Civic and Ethics.

 Civic refers to the responsibilities, rights, and participation of citizens in society, while
ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong behaviour.
Discuss the similarity and difference between civic and ethics.
 Similarity: Both involve understanding and adhering to principles of conduct.
 Difference: Civic relates specifically to the duties and rights of citizens within a
community or society, whereas ethics is a broader concept that encompasses principles of
morality and behavior in various contexts.
Define and identify the difference between moral values, moral dilemma, and ethical
theories.
1. Moral values are principles or standards of behaviour that guide individual conduct.
2. Moral dilemmas are situations where individuals must choose between conflicting moral
principles.
3. Ethical theories are systematic approaches to understanding and justifying ethical
judgments and behaviour.
List and discuss types of ethics.

 Common types include

1. virtue ethics,
2. deontological ethics
3. consequentialist/utilitarian ethics
4. ethical relativism.
Define ethical relativism, ethical subjectivism, ethical conventionalism, and ethical
universalism. Examine their basic difference.
 Ethical relativism posits that ethical principles are relative to cultural, societal, or
individual contexts.
 Ethical subjectivism asserts that moral judgments are based on individual feelings or
beliefs.
 Ethical conventionalism holds that moral principles are determined by societal norms or
conventions.
 Ethical universalism argues for the existence of ethical principles that apply universally
across cultures and contexts.
Understand and discuss consequentialist/utilitarian theory, deontological theory, and
teleological theory.
1. Consequentialist/utilitarian theory evaluates actions based on their consequences and
seeks to maximize overall happiness or utility.
2. Deontological theory, associated with Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the inherent rightness
or wrongness of actions based on adherence to moral principles.
3. Teleological theory considers the purpose or end goal of actions in determining their
ethical value.
Define and discuss professional ethics.
 Professional ethics refer to the principles and standards that guide ethical behaviour
within specific professions or occupations.
Aristotle referred to people as "social animals" and Plato's as "political animals"
because:
 Aristotle believed that humans are inherently social beings, meaning they naturally
seek connections and interactions with others to fulfill their needs and achieve their
goals. In his view, society is essential for human flourishing, as individuals rely on each
other for various aspects of life, such as emotional support, cooperation, and the
exchange of goods and ideas.
 On the other hand, Plato viewed humans as inherently political beings, emphasizing the
importance of governance and participation in the polis (city-state) for the development
of virtues and the attainment of justice. For Plato, the ideal society was one where
individuals were actively engaged in the political process, striving for the common
good and realizing their full potential as citizens.
 While both philosophers recognized the importance of social and political structures in
human life, their terminology reflects their differing emphasis on either the social
nature of humans (Aristotle) or the political organization of society (Plato).
Qualities of responsible citizenship, three important qualities include:

1. Respect for the Rule of Law: Responsible citizens adhere to laws and regulations,
understanding that they provide a framework for a functioning society.
2. Civic Engagement: Actively participating in civic affairs, such as voting, community
service, and advocating for social change, demonstrates responsible citizenship.
3. Respect for Diversity and Inclusion: Valuing and respecting people from different
backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives fosters social cohesion and harmony within a
diverse society.
List and examine the main sources of civic and ethical education.
  Civic and ethical education draws from various sources to impart values, principles, and
responsibilities to individuals within a society. Some of the main sources include:
1. Formal Education: This includes school curricula, textbooks, and structured
classroom lessons dedicated to teaching civic and ethical principles.
2. Informal Education: Informal settings such as family, peer groups, religious
institutions, and community organizations play a significant role in shaping
individuals’ civic and ethical values through everyday interactions and observations.
3. Media and Technology: Mass media platforms, including television, radio, the
internet, and social media, influence public opinion and contribute to civic and ethical
education by disseminating information, promoting critical thinking, and sparking
discussions on societal issues.
4. Government and Legal Systems: Government institutions, laws, and policies provide
frameworks for civic engagement, ethical conduct, and justice within society, shaping
citizens’ understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and the rule of law.
5. Cultural and Historical Contexts: Cultural traditions, heritage, and historical events
influence societal norms, values, and moral codes, contributing to the collective
understanding of civic duties and ethical behaviour.
The main learning objectives and goals of civic and ethics:
1. Promotion of Civic Virtues: One of the primary goals is to cultivate virtues such as
honesty, responsibility, respect for others, and a commitment to the common good
among individuals in society. This includes fostering a sense of civic duty and
promoting active citizenship.
2. Understanding Democratic Principles: Civic education aims to familiarize individuals
with the principles of democracy, including the rule of law, equality, justice, and
participation in decision-making processes. It emphasizes the importance of
respecting the rights and freedoms of all members of society.
3. Development of Ethical Reasoning: Ethics education seeks to enhance individuals’
ability to critically evaluate ethical dilemmas and make morally informed decisions.
This involves exploring different ethical theories, principles, and values, as well as
applying them to real-world situations.
4. Fostering Social Responsibility: Civic and ethics education endeavours to instil a
sense of social responsibility and empathy towards others, including marginalized and
vulnerable populations. It encourages individuals to actively contribute to the
betterment of their communities and society as a whole.
5. Promoting Intercultural Understanding: In an increasingly diverse and interconnected
world, civic and ethics education aims to promote intercultural understanding,
tolerance, and appreciation of cultural diversity. This involves fostering dialogue,
empathy, and cooperation across different cultural, religious, and ideological
backgrounds.
National character
 It refers to the collective personality traits, values, norms, and behaviours that are
characteristic of a particular nation or culture. It encompasses the attitudes, beliefs, and
customs shared by the members of a society that contribute to their identity as a nation.
The main factors contributing to national integration include:
1. Shared Identity and History: A common sense of identity, history, and heritage fosters
unity among the citizens of a nation.
2. Political Stability: Stable governance and effective institutions help maintain social order
and promote national cohesion.
3. Economic Interdependence: Economic integration and mutual dependence encourage
cooperation and solidarity among different regions or groups within a nation.
4. Social Cohesion: Respect for diversity, inclusivity, and social justice fosters solidarity and
reduces tensions among various social groups.
5. Cultural Unity: Common cultural practices, traditions, and symbols reinforce a sense of
belonging and promote national unity.
On the other hand, factors contributing to national disintegration include:
1. Ethnic, Religious, or Linguistic Divisions: Deep-seated divisions based on ethnicity,
religion, language, or regional identity can undermine national unity.
2. Socioeconomic Disparities: Economic inequality and disparities in wealth distribution
can lead to social unrest and undermine cohesion.
3. Political Instability: Weak governance, corruption, and political instability can exacerbate
divisions and lead to fragmentation.
4. External Influences: Foreign interventions, conflicts, or influences can exacerbate
internal divisions and weaken national cohesion.
5. Cultural Fragmentation: Rapid cultural changes, globalization, and the erosion of
traditional values can weaken the shared identity and sense of belonging among citizens.
 Regarding the relationship between citizens’ active participation and society’s moral
standards, active participation by citizens in civic life, such as
 voting,
 community service,
 engagement in public discourse,
 plays a crucial role in shaping and
 upholding societal moral standards.
 When citizens actively participate in democratic processes and social institutions, they
contribute to the formulation and enforcement of ethical norms and values that govern
behaviour within society. Their engagement helps:
 reinforce a sense of accountability and responsibility
 mutual respect among members of the community
  strengthening societal moral standards.
 a lack of active participation can lead to
 apathy
 indifference
 decline moral standards

Define Society. State, Government, and Citizenship:

 Society refers to a group of individuals who share a common culture, territory, and
interaction.
 State is a political entity with defined boundaries, population, sovereignty, and
government.
 Government is the system or group of people governing an organized community,
typically a state.
 Citizenship is the legal status of being a member of a particular country, entailing rights,
duties, and privileges.
Essential Attributes/Elements of Society and State:
 Society: Culture, social institutions, norms, values, language, and social interaction.
 State: Population, territory, sovereignty, government, and recognition.
Theories on the Origin of Society and State:
 Evolutionary theory, contract theory (social contract), force theory, divine right theory.

Structure of State:
1. Unitary system: Centralized power, local governments have limited authority.
2. Federal system: Power divided between central and regional governments.
3. Confederal system: States or regions retain ultimate authority.
Power Sharing Mechanisms in Federal State:
 Division of powers between central and regional governments.
 Bicameral legislature with representation from states.
 Judicial review to ensure constitutionality.
Basic Elements of Government:
 Executive, legislative, judicial branches.
Major Functions of Government:
 Maintain order, provide public goods and services, enforce laws, protect citizens' rights,
regulate the economy.
Unique Features that Separate Government from Other Institutions:
 Sovereignty, monopoly on the legitimate use of force, authority to make and enforce
laws, provision of public goods.
Major Structure and Organs of Government:
1. Executive: President, prime minister, cabinet.
2. Legislative: Parliament, congress.
3. Judicial: Courts, judges.
Difference Between Systems of Government:
 Parliamentary vs. presidential, unitary vs. federal, democratic vs. authoritarian.
Bicameral vs. Unicameral Legislative Body:
 Bicameral: Two chambers (e.g., Senate and House of Representatives), often used in
federal systems for representation and checks and balances.
 Unicameral: One chamber (e.g., a single legislative assembly), simpler and more
efficient, often used in unitary systems.
Similarity and Difference Between Society and State, Society and Government, State and
Government:
 Similarities: Both society and state consist of people living within a defined territory.
Society and government involve social interaction and organization.
 Differences: State implies a political entity with sovereignty and government, while
society is broader and encompasses cultural and social aspects. Government refers to the
governing system, while society is the broader social context.
Pre-requisites for the Application of Citizenship:
 Compliance with legal requirements, residency, language proficiency, knowledge of the
country's history and values, oath of allegiance.
Theories of Citizenship:
 Civic republicanism, liberal individualism, communitarianism.
Historical Landmarks in the Development of Citizenship:
 Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, French Revolution, Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
Modes of Acquiring and Losing Citizenship:
1. Acquiring: Birth right, naturalization, marriage.
2. Losing: Renunciation, deprivation, denaturalization.
Conditions for Acquiring Ethiopian Nationality:
 Compliance with legal requirements, residency, language proficiency, good character,
renunciation of previous nationality if applicable.
Statelessness and How It Emerges:
 Statelessness is the lack of citizenship or nationality.
 It can emerge due to conflict, discriminatory nationality laws, migration, or
administrative issues.
Citizenship: Right, Privilege, or Both:

 Citizenship is both a right and a privilege, entailing legal protections, participation in

governance, and access to public services.
Difference Between Double Citizenship, Multiple Citizenship, and Collective Citizenship:

 Double citizenship: Holding citizenship of two countries simultaneously.

 Multiple citizenship: Holding citizenship of more than two countries.
 Collective citizenship: Citizenship shared by a group or community, typically based on
ethnicity or culture.
Difference Between Functional Nationality, Apparent Nationality, and Effective
Citizenship:
 Functional nationality: Citizenship based on legal status and rights.
 Apparent nationality: Perception of citizenship based on outward appearance or
behaviour.
 Effective citizenship: Active exercise of citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Characteristics of Good Citizen:
 Law-abiding, informed, active in community and politics, respectful of others' rights,
contributing to the common good.
Define constitution and constitutionalism and discuss their similarity and difference:

 Constitution: A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents

according to which a state or other organization is governed. It outlines the structure of
government, the rights and duties of citizens, and the procedures for making and
enforcing laws.
 Constitutionalism: Constitutionalism refers to the adherence to constitutional principles
and the rule of law. It emphasizes the limitation of government power, the protection of
individual rights, and the promotion of accountable governance.
 Similarity: Both constitution and constitutionalism are concerned with the organization
and functioning of government, as well as the protection of individual rights within a
society.
Difference: While a constitution is a written document or a set of established principles,
constitutionalism is a broader concept that encompasses the adherence to these principles
and the rule of law in practice. Constitutionalism ensures that the government operates
within the boundaries set by the constitution and respects the rights of citizens.
Sure, here are the important historical landmarks in the development of citizenship:
1. Ancient Greece: Citizenship emerged in city-states like Athens, where participation in
political life was limited to free male citizens.
2. Roman Republic: Roman citizenship conferred certain rights and responsibilities,
although it was initially restricted to male property owners.
3. Magna Carta (1215): This document, although primarily focused on limiting the power
of the monarchy, laid the groundwork for the idea of rule of law and protection of
individual liberties.
4. English Bill of Rights (1689): This document further established the rights of English
citizens, including freedom of speech and the right to petition the government.
5. American Revolution and Constitution (late 18th century): The Declaration of
Independence (1776) and the U.S. Constitution (1787) established the principles of
democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law, shaping modern concepts of
citizenship.
6. French Revolution and Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789): This
document proclaimed the equality of all citizens before the law and influenced the
development of citizenship in other nations.
Principles, Features, and Functions of Constitution:
 Principles: These are fundamental rules or beliefs upon which a constitution is based,
such as democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of human rights.
 Features: These are characteristics that define a constitution, including its written or
unwritten nature, its flexibility, and its mode of amendment.
 Functions: The functions of a constitution include providing a framework for
governance, defining the structure of the government, distributing powers among
different branches, protecting individual rights, and establishing the rule of law.
Constitutional Principles for a Multicultural State:
 Recognition of diversity: Acknowledging and respecting the existence of diverse
cultural, linguistic, and religious communities within the state.
 Equality and non-discrimination: Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their
cultural background, enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
  Protection of minority rights: Safeguarding the rights of minority groups to ensure their
participation in the political, social, and cultural life of the state.
 Multicultural education: Promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect for diversity
through educational programs and policies.
Basic Traditional Documents Used as Sources of Traditional Constitution in Ethiopia:
1. The Fetha Nagast: A medieval Ethiopian legal code that combines religious and secular
laws.
2. The Kibre Negest : Also known as the “Glory of Kings,” it is a literary work that
outlines the origins of Ethiopian monarchy and provides guidance on governance and
justice.
3. The Walda Heywat: A collection of customary laws and practices followed by various
ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
Distinguishing Concepts:
 Written and unwritten constitution: A written constitution is codified in a single
document, while an unwritten constitution is composed of various sources, including
statutes, conventions, and judicial decisions.
 Rigid and flexible constitution: A rigid constitution requires a special procedure for
amendment, while a flexible constitution can be amended through the ordinary
legislative process.
 Detailed and general constitution: A detailed constitution includes specific provisions
on various matters, while a general constitution outlines broad principles without
delving into specifics.
 Unitary and federal constitution: A unitary constitution concentrates power at the
national level, while a federal constitution distributes power between the central
government and regional or state governments.
 Nominal and effective constitution: A nominal constitution exists in name only,
lacking enforcement mechanisms, while an effective constitution is upheld and
enforced, regulating the functioning of the state.
Discuss the main reason and fundamental elements which were introduced such
documents:
1. 1931 written constitution: The establishment of this constitution was primarily aimed at
consolidating and centralizing power under Emperor Haile Selassie I. Its fundamental
elements included the affirmation of the Emperor’s absolute authority, the establishment
of a bicameral legislature, and the recognition of Ethiopia as an independent and
sovereign state.
2. 1955 Revised constitution: This revision was a response to increasing demands for
political reforms and decentralization. Its fundamental elements included the introduction
 of limited parliamentary democracy, the establishment of a Council of Ministers
responsible to the parliament, and the recognition of basic civil rights.
3. 1987 PDRE Constitution: This constitution was promulgated under the People’s
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, reflecting Marxist-Leninist principles. Its fundamental
elements included the establishment of a one-party state, the nationalization of key
industries, and the prioritization of collective rights over individual rights.
4. 1991 Transitional Charter: Following the collapse of the PDRE regime, this charter
aimed to transition Ethiopia towards democracy. Its fundamental elements included the
establishment of a transitional government, the recognition of multiparty democracy, and
the commitment to respect human rights.
5. 1995 FDRE Constitution: The 1995 Constitution established the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia. Its fundamental principles include federalism, separation of
powers, protection of human rights, and the recognition of ethnic diversity. It introduced
a federal system with a bicameral legislature, independent judiciary, and a bill of rights.
List the power and function of the ff:
 House of Peoples Representatives: It holds legislative power, enacts laws, approves
budgets, and oversees the executive branch.
 House of Federations: It represents the states and ensures the implementation of federal
principles.
 Prime Minister: Heads the government, implements laws, and oversees the
administration.
 Council of Ministers: Assists the Prime Minister in policymaking and administration.
 President: Represents the nation, serves ceremonial roles, and approves laws.
 State Governments: Govern respective states, implement federal laws, and manage
local affairs.
Democracy and human rights:
 Democracy refers to a system of government by the people, characterized by free and fair
elections, political participation, and protection of rights. Human rights are inherent rights
and freedoms inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or
religion.
Factors promoting and hindering democratic culture:
 Promotion factors include education, political participation, and strong institutions,
while hindering factors include corruption, inequality, and authoritarianism.
Historical landmarks in democracy and human rights:
 Examples include the Magna Carta, the French Revolution, and the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights.
 Exercise of democracy:
 Includes voting, participation in political processes, activism, and engagement with
civil society.
Fundamental values and principles of democracy:
 These include rule of law, equality, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Democratization:
 It’s the process of transitioning towards democracy, with responsible actors including
government institutions, civil society, and the media.
Characteristics and classification of human rights:
 They can be civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, characterized by
universality, inalienability, and indivisibility.
Human rights instruments:
 Include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, regional treaties like the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and national constitutions and laws.
Responsibilities of citizens on human rights:
 Include respecting the rights of others, advocating for rights, and holding governments
accountable.
Incorporation of human rights elements in Ethiopian constitutions:
 The constitutions of 1955, 1987, and 1995 progressively recognized and expanded upon
human rights provisions, reflecting the evolving democratic aspirations of the Ethiopian
people.