Political and Administrative Structure of Governance
Governance refers to the combined form of politics and administration. It is operated through a collective governance structure comprising political and administrative frameworks. The political and administrative structures are outlined as follows:
Political Structure
The political structure of governance involves formulating state policies, envisioning the long-term operation of the state, and managing the administrative framework. In a democratic system, the political structure is formed by elected representatives of the people, through which governance is conducted. The foundation of the political structure rests on party manifestos, party representation, and constitutional provisions.
Unitary Political Structure
- A centralized state system where the central authority holds significant power.
- Central policies and plans are implemented.
- Central influence extends to political spheres.
- Only a central government and a central parliament exist.
- Central administration and constitutional bodies operate nationwide.
Federal Political Structure
- The state is divided into multiple provinces.
- Structures include central, provincial, and local bodies.
- Provinces and local levels have greater authority.
- Division of executive, legislative, and judicial powers at the provincial level.
- Provincial languages, administration, and constitutional bodies may exist.
Presidential System
A system where an elected president, as the head of state, holds executive powers, and the entire governance is controlled by the president. The president forms the Council of Ministers, which is accountable to the president. Parliamentary control over the executive or president is minimal. This system is practiced in the United States.
Parliamentary System
A system where the parliament, a representative institution, holds the authority to form or change the government, and the government is accountable to the parliament. In this system, the majority of elected representatives holds significant importance. However, in some cases, this system has led to the buying and selling of parliamentarians. Nepal’s Interim Constitution adopts a democratic system based on the parliamentary model.
The political structure of governance includes the head of state, head of government, Council of Ministers, parliament, and local bodies. Political parties and voters are indirectly involved in the governance system.
Administrative Structure of Governance
The administrative structure is the mechanism that translates the policies and objectives set by political leadership into action and delivers their outcomes to the people.
The administrative structure consists of its bodies, actors, and operational procedures. It includes central, regional, and local administrative structures.
Central Administrative Structure
A structure established to assist central political leadership and provide leadership to the administrative framework. It includes central bodies such as ministries, departments, committees, and commissions.
Regional Administrative Structure
Bodies established to coordinate, support, and monitor development activities at a regional level. In Nepal, this has recently been developed to coordinate with local administration as well.
Local Administrative Structure
Bodies established at the district, village development committee, municipality, and ward levels to deliver services and implement central policies at the local level.
Conclusion
The governance system is a coordinated combination of politics and administration. While political leadership occupies the driver’s seat, the administrative machinery supports it by handling technical and operational tasks. Both mechanisms are equally important. Whether the governance system is federal or unitary, parliamentary or presidential, both political and administrative structures are essential. They are mutually supportive and maintain a complementary relationship.
