61 questions. Try each one, then open the answer to check yourself and read the explanation.
The institution and processes connected with making, enforcing and reviewing of laws in any society is referred to as the
Answer: C (Government.)
Government is the machinery (legislature, executive and judiciary) through which laws are made, carried out and interpreted. The judiciary only interprets laws.
Which of the following best describes the subject matter of Government?
Answer: D (political power)
Government as a subject studies how political power is gained, shared and used in the state. Elections and parties are only parts of it.
The process through which people develop their political attitudes is called
Answer: B (political socialization.)
Political socialisation is the process by which people learn political values, beliefs and attitudes from the family, school, peers, media and other agents.
Government can be described as the art of
Answer: D (making and enforcing laws.)
As an activity, government is the art of making laws and seeing that they are obeyed so the state can be run in an orderly way.
Traditional system of government in pre-colonial Nigeria was based on
Answer: C (communalism.)
Pre-colonial societies were communal: land and many resources were owned by the community or family, and people worked and shared together.
Power is transformed into authority through
Answer: E (legitimacy.)
Authority is power that people accept as rightful. When power gains legitimacy (acceptance), it becomes authority.
The type of government in which citizen's rights and duties were based on a system of the land tenure was known as
Answer: A (feudalism)
Under feudalism, lords granted land to vassals and serfs in return for loyalty, service and labour, so rights and duties depended on land holding.
A unitary system of government can ensure cohesion because it
Answer: C (concentrates political power in single level of government)
With all power held by one central government, policies are uniform across the country and there are no rival centres of power, which promotes unity.
The rule of law is observed
Answer: A (wherever laws are considered to supreme)
The rule of law exists where the law is supreme over everyone, rulers included. Clear laws or obedient citizens alone do not guarantee this.
In which of the following systems of government is decentralization a common feature?
Answer: E (federal government.)
A federal system shares power by the constitution between the central government and the states or regions, so decentralisation is one of its basic features.
An advantage of delegated legislation is that it
Answer: C (enables contingencies to be taken care of)
Delegated legislation lets ministers and agencies make rules quickly to deal with emergencies and unexpected situations, without waiting for parliament. The other options are disadvantages.
The Executive is a body that
Answer: A (formulates and implements the policies of government)
The executive makes policies and carries out (executes) the laws and policies of government. Interpreting laws is the job of the judiciary.
It is not the duty or obligation of a citizen to
Answer: C (arrest and prosecute offenders)
Arresting and prosecuting offenders is the job of the police and the state's prosecutors. A citizen's duty is only to help them, e.g. by reporting crime.
A constitution that reviews body elected by members of the electorate is known as
Answer: C (Constituent Assembly)
A constituent assembly is a body elected (wholly or partly) to debate, review and adopt a draft constitution, like Nigeria's 1977-78 and 1988-89 Constituent Assemblies.
When a constitution contains complicated and long procedures for its amendments, it is said to be
Answer: D (rigid)
A constitution that can only be changed through special, difficult procedures is called rigid.
One can become a citizen of a country through all the following except
Answer: A (the granting of political asylum)
Political asylum only gives a foreigner protection and the right to stay; it does not make him a citizen. Birth, marriage (registration) and naturalisation are ways of acquiring citizenship.
A manifesto refers to the
Answer: D (programme of a political party)
A manifesto is a party's published programme: the policies it promises to carry out if elected.
The party system operated by a country is determined by the
Answer: C (nature of competition and interaction within and between political parties)
Whether a country has a one-party, two-party or multi-party system depends on how many parties effectively compete and how they interact.
The principal aim of pressure groups is to
Answer: D (influence the government)
Pressure groups try to influence government policies in favour of their members, without seeking to take over government.
Public opinion enables a government to
Answer: B (find out what the public thinks about its activities)
Public opinion tells the government how people feel about its policies and actions, so it can adjust them.
Public opinion is crystallized through all the following except
Answer: D (military coups)
Polls, referenda, plebiscites and even strikes show what the public thinks. A military coup is the action of a few soldiers, not an expression of public opinion.
A country in which all qualified citizens vote is said to operate
Answer: B (a universal adult suffrage)
Universal adult suffrage means every adult citizen who meets the basic legal qualifications (age, citizenship, sanity) can vote.
Another name for the first past the post system of voting is the
Answer: C (simple majority method)
In first-past-the-post the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, even without an absolute majority, so it is also called the simple majority system.
Which of the following is not the responsibility of an Electoral Commission?
Answer: C (Nomination of candidates)
Political parties nominate their own candidates; the electoral commission only screens and accepts the nominations.
Before the Civil Service reforms of 1988, the most prestigious and highest paid grade in the Nigeria Civil Service was the
Answer: B (administrative class)
The administrative class (permanent secretaries and other top officers) advised ministers on policy and was the highest grade in the civil service.
The major reason why government sets up Public Corporations is to
Answer: C (provide utility services to the public at minimal costs)
Public corporations are set up mainly to provide essential services such as electricity, water and transport at affordable prices, not mainly for profit.
The total number of local government areas in Nigeria in 1989 was
Answer: E (449.)
In 1989 the Babangida government raised the number of local government areas to 449. (It rose to 589 in 1991; today there are 774.)
The 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria gave birth to a
Answer: E (one-tier local government system.)
The 1976 reform introduced a uniform single-tier (one-tier) local government system for the whole country and made local government the third tier of government.
The Waziri in the traditional Hausa/Fulani Kingdom performed the function of the
Answer: D (Prime Minister)
The Waziri was the Emir's chief adviser and head of the officials, a role similar to that of a prime minister.
Which of the following characteristics was absent in the pre-colonial administration of the Igbos?
Answer: A (hierarchical and centralized administration)
The Igbo system was acephalous (segmentary): power was spread among families, elders, age grades and the village assembly, with no central ruler or hierarchy.
The major aim of colonial rule in Nigeria was to
Answer: E (obtain cheap raw materials and secure ready markets.)
Colonialism was mainly economic: Britain wanted cheap raw materials for its factories and markets for its manufactured goods.
After some time, the French replaced their colonial policy of assimilation with that of
Answer: D (Association)
Assimilation proved costly and was resisted, so France adopted the policy of association, which allowed Africans to keep more of their own culture and institutions.
The 1954 Lyttleton Constitution marked the beginning of formal federalism in Nigeria because it
Answer: D (outlined the division of powers between the centre and regions)
The 1954 constitution divided legislative powers between the centre and the regions with exclusive, concurrent and residual lists, which is the essence of federalism.
The 1979 Constitution sought to solve some of the problems associated with Nigerian federalism by providing for
Answer: A (the reflection of federal character in public appointments)
The 1979 constitution introduced the federal character principle so that appointments would reflect the diversity of the states and no group would dominate. (The 1999 constitution keeps this principle.)
Nigeria became a federation as a result of the promulgation of the constitution of
Answer: D (1954)
The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 made Nigeria a true federation by dividing power between the centre and the regions.
The existence of the exclusive, residual and concurrent legislative lists means that Nigerian State is
Answer: E (Federal.)
Sharing legislative powers between levels of government through separate lists is a feature of federalism.
The 1953 motion that Nigeria should attain self government in 1956 was moved by
Answer: C (Chief Anthony Enahoro)
Anthony Enahoro of the Action Group moved the self-government motion in the House of Representatives in 1953; northern members opposed it, causing a crisis.
Which of the following was not a political party in Nigeria between 1960 and 1966?
Answer: E (Nigeria Youth Movement.)
The Nigerian Youth Movement was active in the 1930s and 1940s and had faded away by independence. The NPC, NCNC, UMBC and NEPU all contested elections in the First Republic.
The Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) of the Second Republic was led by
Answer: C (Tunji Braithwaite)
Tunji Braithwaite founded and led the NAP, registered in 1982. Awolowo led the UPN and Waziri Ibrahim the GNPP.
The total number of parties registered for the 1979 elections in Nigeria was
Answer: C (five)
FEDECO registered five parties for 1979: UPN, NPN, NPP, GNPP and PRP.
The constitutional crises resulting from the 1964 general elections in Nigeria was resolved through the
Answer: A (agreement between Dr. Azikiwe and Sir Abubakar on the nature of government to be formed)
President Azikiwe and Prime Minister Balewa agreed that Balewa would form a broad-based government, which ended the deadlock after the disputed 1964 election.
The major cause of the Action Group crises of 1962 was the
Answer: D (proposal to change the party's ideology towards a Socialist orientation.)
Awolowo wanted the AG to adopt democratic socialism and stay in opposition, while Akintola wanted to co-operate with the NPC-led federal government. This split over the party's direction caused the 1962 crisis.
The Nigerian civil war was fought in order to
Answer: B (preserve the unity of the country)
The federal government fought the 1967-70 war to stop the secession of Biafra and keep Nigeria one country.
Powers under military rule in Nigeria can be said to be
Answer: D (more fused than separated)
Under military rule the ruling council makes laws and also controls the executive, so powers are largely fused, although the courts still exist; they are more fused than separated.
All the following are reasons for the frequent military takeover of power in Nigeria, except
Answer: C (check on communist penetration of government)
Coup leaders in Nigeria gave reasons like rigging, corruption, embezzlement and tribalism. Communist penetration was never a real issue.
Which of the following statements is not correct about Nigeria's Foreign Policy during the civil war?
Answer: E (Nigeria withdrew her membership of the UNO because the organization supported Biafra.)
Nigeria never left the UN, and the UN did not support Biafra. The war did draw Nigeria closer to the Soviet Union, which supplied arms.
Which of the following is not a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?
Answer: D (Britain)
Britain produces oil but has never been a member of OPEC. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Venezuela are members.
Which of the following received the Nigerian government's support and backing during the Angolan struggle? The
Answer: A (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angolan (MPLA))
In 1975 the Murtala Mohammed government recognised and supported the MPLA government of Angola, against UNITA and the FNLA which were backed by South Africa and the USA.
To which of the following countries did Nigeria send a peace-keeping force under the United Nations Organization?
Answer: D (Lebanon)
Nigeria sent troops to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 1978. Earlier it had served in the Congo under the UN.
The Non-aligned Movement was established by a group of Third World countries at the
Answer: E (Belgrade in 1961.)
The Non-Aligned Movement was formally founded at the Belgrade summit in 1961. The 1955 Bandung Conference prepared the ground for it.
To underscore her relative importance within the African continent, Nigeria has played a prominent role in the formation and continued existence of the
Answer: E (Economic Community of West African States.)
Nigeria and Togo led the formation of ECOWAS in 1975, and Nigeria has remained its main financier and leader.
Section A (answer two questions from this section)
(a) What is political socialization? (b) Explain the major agents of political socialization
(a) The process by which people learn and take in the political values, beliefs and attitudes of their society, passed from one generation to the next
(b) Family: first agent; children copy parents' political views
School: civic education, national anthem, pledge, student politics
Peer groups: friends shape views and behaviour
Mass media: radio, TV, newspapers, internet inform and shape opinion
Political parties: rallies, manifestos, campaigns
Religious bodies
Pressure groups and trade unions
Government agencies (e.g. orientation agencies), the armed forces/NYSC
Define clearly, then explain at least four agents with examples.
Section A
How can the efficiency of the judiciary be guaranteed in safeguarding the rights of a citizen?
Independence of the judiciary: separation from the executive and legislature
Appointment of judges on merit through an independent body (Judicial Service Commission)
Security of tenure: removal only for proven misconduct by a strict procedure
Good salaries paid from the Consolidated Fund, not cut at will
Adequate funding, staff, libraries and facilities
Immunity of judges from being sued for judicial acts
Political neutrality: judges should not belong to parties
Speedy, cheap justice and legal aid for the poor
Judicial review of laws and executive actions
Respect for and obedience to court orders
Each point should show how it helps judges protect rights without fear or favour.
Section A
Explain the term Fundamental Human Rights. Why is it entrenched in a constitution?
Meaning: basic rights every person is entitled to as a human being, recognised and protected by law (e.g. life, dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, privacy, freedom of thought, religion, expression, assembly, movement, freedom from discrimination)
Why entrenched: to protect citizens from arbitrary use of power by government
To make the rights hard to remove or amend
To give citizens a legal basis to go to court when rights are violated
To limit the powers of rulers and prevent dictatorship
To follow international standards (UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, African Charter)
To promote democracy and the rule of law
Give examples of rights before explaining the reasons for entrenchment.
Section A
Discuss the factors that hinder the successful operation of democracy in Nigeria.
Electoral malpractice: rigging, violence, vote buying
Military intervention and long military rule
Corruption and misuse of public funds
Ethnicity, tribalism and religious bigotry
Poverty and illiteracy of many voters
Weak institutions: electoral body, judiciary, police not independent
Violation of human rights and the rule of law
Political intolerance and thuggery
Weak, ethnic-based political parties
Lack of a free press at times; political apathy
Explain each factor and how it weakens democracy.
Section A
What is party manifesto and why is it necessary?
Meaning: a written statement of a party's aims, policies and programmes it promises to carry out if elected
Why necessary: tells voters what the party stands for
Helps voters choose between parties
Basis for judging the party's performance in office
Serves as the party's policy guide when in power
Attracts members and supporters
Educates the people politically
Promotes issue-based rather than personality-based politics
A clear definition plus four or more reasons.
Section B (answer two questions from this section)
In what ways did the 1954 Constitution establish true federalism in Nigeria?
Divided legislative powers between the federal government and the regions: exclusive list (centre), concurrent list (both) and residual matters (regions)
Regions became more autonomous with their own Premiers, executive councils and legislatures
Separate regional public services and judiciaries (regional high courts)
Federal Supreme Court created to settle disputes between governments
Lagos made federal territory
Fiscal federalism: revenue allocation based on derivation
Governor-General at the centre and Governors in the regions
Regions could opt for self-government (East and West in 1957)
Focus on how powers were shared, not just a list of features.
Section B
Explain the various ways in which Nigeria gives support to liberation movements in Africa.
Financial aid to liberation movements (e.g. ANC, SWAPO, ZANU/ZAPU, MPLA)
Supply of arms, training and logistics
Diplomatic support at the OAU, UN and Commonwealth; chairing the UN Special Committee against Apartheid
Recognition of liberation governments (e.g. MPLA in Angola, 1975)
Scholarships and refuge for students and freedom fighters
Nationalisation of British Petroleum (1979) to press Britain over Zimbabwe
Boycott of sporting events (e.g. 1976 Olympics, 1978 Commonwealth Games) over apartheid
Contribution to the OAU Liberation Committee fund
Propaganda and radio broadcasts; Southern African Relief Fund
Use specific examples and dates where possible.
Section B
Describe the structure of military rule in Nigeria under the Babangida Administration up to 1990.
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces: head of state and of government (Babangida, from August 1985)
Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC): highest law-making body; made decrees
National Council of Ministers: civilian and military ministers heading ministries
National Council of States: advised on state matters; included military governors
Chief of General Staff (later Vice-President role in 1990)
State level: Military Governors/Administrators with state executive councils; made edicts
Local governments: sole administrators/elected chairmen; councils (1987-1990 elections on non-party basis)
Judiciary retained but limited by ouster clauses; special tribunals
Transition programme: Directorate for Social Mobilisation (MAMSER), NEC, two government-created parties (SDP and NRC, 1989)
Describe each level and organ and say what it did.
Section B
Account for the inefficiency of Local Governments in Nigeria since 1976.
Inadequate funds; heavy dependence on federal and state allocations
Interference by state governments: dissolutions, appointment of caretaker committees, control of joint accounts
Shortage of qualified, skilled staff
Corruption and embezzlement
Frequent changes of policy and structure; instability of tenure
Political interference and partisanship
Creation of too many, unviable local government areas
Poor revenue collection; weak tax base
Ethnic and communal conflicts
Lack of public participation and apathy
Explain each cause with an example.
Section B
(a) Why was the Willinks Commission of Enquiry set up?
(b) Give an account of its major recommendations.
(a) Set up in 1957 (at the constitutional conference) under Sir Henry Willink to enquire into the fears of minority groups that they would be dominated by the majority groups in each region, and to suggest ways of allaying those fears
(b) No new states should be created before independence
Fundamental human rights should be entrenched in the constitution
The police should be a federal (central) force
Special development areas/boards for minority areas (e.g. Niger Delta Development Board)
Minority councils/areas in some regions (e.g. Calabar, Mid-West)
Laid the foundation for later state creation
Part (a) needs the reason (minority fears); part (b) the main recommendations.