58 questions. Try each one, then open the answer to check yourself and read the explanation.
The first agent of political socialization is
Answer: D (family.)
A child first learns values, obedience and attitudes to authority in the family.
Baron Montesquieu was noted for the theory of
Answer: C (separation of powers)
Montesquieu set out the separation of powers in The Spirit of the Laws (1748); the rule of law is linked with A. V. Dicey.
Political sovereignty in the state resides with the
Answer: B (people)
Political sovereignty belongs to the people (the electorate), who choose those who exercise legal sovereignty.
A political system in which there is only one source of authority in a state is
Answer: D (unitary.)
In a unitary state all authority comes from the central government.
Which of the following best describes an absolute monarchy? He
Answer: A (wields the supreme power in a state)
An absolute monarch holds supreme, unlimited power and inherits the throne.
The modern idea of democracy includes all the following except
Answer: A (unlimited freedom)
Freedom in a democracy is limited by law and by respect for the rights of others.
Which of the following is a method of acquiring political power in a democracy?
Answer: B (election)
In a democracy leaders gain power through elections.
One of the arguments against delegated legislation is that it
Answer: B (is against the principle of separation of power)
It lets the executive make laws, which mixes legislative and executive powers.
A practice by which semi autonomous units are given part of governmental powers and functions is known as
Answer: C (devolution)
Devolution transfers some powers to semi-autonomous lower units.
A disadvantage of centralized administration is that
Answer: D (sub-national bodies are denied initiative in decision making.)
When everything is decided at the centre, local units cannot take their own decisions.
Judicial independence means that the courts are independent of the
Answer: B (Executive and the Legislature)
Courts must be free from control by the other two arms of government.
A citizen expresses loyalty to his nation by
Answer: C (singing the national anthem when required)
Respecting national symbols like the anthem and flag shows loyalty to the nation.
A citizen can participate in the politics of his country by
Answer: C (contesting for an elective post)
Standing for election is a direct form of political participation.
The office of the ombudsman is created to act as
Answer: B (an agency to redress maladministration)
The ombudsman (in Nigeria the Public Complaints Commission) investigates citizens' complaints against officials.
Which of the following statements best describes an unwritten constitution?
Answer: D (The body of rules and laws cannot all be found in a single document.)
An unwritten constitution is scattered across statutes, conventions and court decisions.
The process by which people vote to elect their representatives is called
Answer: A (electoral system)
The electoral system is the method by which voters choose their representatives.
Apart from making laws, the legislature has the important function of
Answer: D (checking the executive powers.)
The legislature controls the executive through budget approval, questions, investigations and impeachment.
Which of the following is a demerit of bicameral legislature?
Answer: B (Passing of bills into acts is delayed)
A bill must pass through two chambers, which slows law-making.
One form of delegated legislation is
Answer: B (statutory instruments)
Statutory instruments (orders, regulations, bye-laws) are made by the executive under powers given by an Act.
A system in which one level of government exercises an overwhelming authority over others can best be described as
Answer: C (unitary)
In a unitary system the central government is supreme over the lower units.
A major weakness of a one-party system is that it
Answer: A (encourages the emergence of dictators)
Without opposition the ruling party and its leader can become dictatorial.
A multi-party system often leads to the formation of
Answer: A (coalition government)
When no party wins a majority, several parties join to form a coalition.
Under a two-party system, the opposition party is as important as the ruling party because it
Answer: D (is the alternative government.)
The opposition is ready to take over government at the next election (a 'government in waiting').
A major function of public corporation is to
Answer: C (provide certain essential services for all)
Public corporations provide essential services such as power, water and transport at reasonable cost.
Carpet-crossing is a characteristic of
Answer: B (cabinet system)
Carpet-crossing (moving from one party's benches to another's) is associated with the parliamentary (cabinet) system, as in Nigeria's Western House in 1951–52.
A minister controls public corporations by
Answer: B (giving general policy directives)
The minister gives general policy directions; the board and management run the corporation.
When there is a second chamber in a federal state, it
Answer: A (makes up for the imbalance in the representation in the lower house)
The upper house gives every state equal seats, balancing the population-based lower house.
The three main contesting issues about revenue allocation in Nigeria are
Answer: D (derivation, population and even development.)
Debates on revenue sharing centre on principles such as derivation, population and even development (equality of states).
In Nigeria, the concurrent list of powers belongs to the
Answer: C (federal and state governments)
Both federal and state governments can legislate on concurrent matters (federal law prevails in a conflict).
Rule by decrees is associated with
Answer: A (military governments)
Military governments suspend the legislature and make laws by decree.
Which of the following Nigerian constitutions brought the Northern Provinces into the Legislative Council?
Answer: B (The Richards Constitution)
The Richards Constitution of 1946 made the Legislative Council legislate for the whole country, including the North.
Under the independence Constitutions of Nigeria, the final Court of Appeal was the
Answer: C (Privy Council in Britain)
Until the 1963 Republican Constitution, final appeals went to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) collapsed because of
Answer: A (leadership struggle)
The 1941 dispute over who should fill a Legislative Council seat (Ikoli or Akinsanya) split the leaders and the movement.
A major reason why the warrant chiefs were rejected in Eastern Nigeria was that
Answer: D (the system was not customary.)
Chiefs with such powers were foreign to Igbo tradition, which had no kings, so the people did not accept them.
After the annexation in 1861, Lagos became a
Answer: B (crown colony)
Britain annexed Lagos in 1861 and made it a crown colony (1862).
In the Hausa/Fulani traditional political administration, the Madawaki was the
Answer: D (commander of the calvary.)
The Madawaki commanded the emirate's army (cavalry); the Alkali was the judge and the Ma'aji the treasurer.
The chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second republic in Nigeria was
Answer: D (Obafemi Awolowo.)
Awolowo founded and led the UPN; Aminu Kano led the PRP, Ume Ezeoke was Speaker and Joseph Wayas Senate President (both NPN/NPP).
Among the Yoruba, the presentation of parrot egg to the Oba indicates
Answer: A (outright rejection by his subjects)
In Oyo, the Oyomesi presented an empty calabash or parrot's eggs to an Alaafin who had lost the people's support, meaning he must die (abdicate).
One important effect of the 1922 Constitution of Nigeria was the
Answer: A (formation of political parties)
The elective principle led to the formation of the NNDP in 1923.
In pre-colonial West Africa, no centralized political administration existed among the
Answer: B (Igbo)
Igbo society was acephalous (without a central ruler).
Under the Nigerian Constitution of 1979 representation in the Lower House was based on
Answer: C (the population of each state)
Seats in the House of Representatives were shared by population; the Senate was based on equality of states.
Who among the following was dismissed from the Action Group at the Jos Congress of February, 1962?
Answer: B (Ladoke Akintola)
At the Jos congress Akintola was found guilty of anti-party activities, and the party later removed him as Premier.
If the receiving state does not approve a diplomat on account of his past activities, he is considered
Answer: D (a persona non grata.)
A diplomat who is unacceptable to the host state is declared persona non grata.
Nigeria's idea of Africa as the centrepiece of her foreign policy includes all the following except
Answer: A (support for Apartheid policy in South Africa)
Nigeria fought against apartheid; it never supported it.
The organ of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) responsible for the appointment of the Secretary-General is the
Answer: C (Assembly of the Heads of State and Governments)
The OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government appointed the Secretary-General. (The OAU was replaced by the African Union in 2002.)
Which of the following is an organ of the United Nations Organization (UNO)?
Answer: D (The Security Council.)
The Security Council is a principal organ; the ILO is a specialised agency, and the other two were OAU organs.
Section A: Elements of Government
What are the characteristics of feudalism?
Land is the basis of wealth and power; ultimately owned by the king.
Hierarchy: king, lords/nobles, vassals/knights, serfs.
Land granted to vassals in return for loyalty and military service.
Serfs bound to the land, working it for the lord and paying tribute in kind, money or labour.
Lord acts as lawmaker, judge and military commander over his vassals.
Lord must protect his vassals and serfs.
Personal bond of loyalty (homage) between lord and vassal.
Land returns to the lord if a vassal dies without an heir.
Agricultural economy and little social mobility; privileges by birth.
Explain at least five characteristics.
Section A: Elements of Government
Describe the basic features of a democratic state.
Free, fair and periodic elections.
Universal adult suffrage.
Rule of law and equality before the law.
Protection of fundamental human rights.
Independent judiciary.
Multi-party system and recognised opposition.
Free press and freedom of expression.
Supremacy of the constitution.
Separation of powers and checks and balances.
Majority rule with respect for minority rights.
Accountability and openness of government.
Describe each feature.
Section A: Elements of Government
Why do some countries adopt unitary system of government?
Small size of territory.
Homogeneous population (common language, culture, history).
Desire for a strong central government and national unity.
Quick decision-making.
Cheaper to run than a federation (no duplication).
Limited human and economic resources.
Colonial heritage (e.g. French centralised rule).
Fear of secession or regionalism.
Uniform laws and policies across the country.
Give examples, e.g. Ghana, Britain, France.
Section A: Elements of Government
How can the revenue of local authorities in your country be improved?
Prompt and adequate statutory allocations from federal and state governments.
Allow councils to borrow from financial institutions for viable projects.
Review rates and fees in line with inflation.
Improve collection: honest, trained revenue officers; computerised records.
Widen the tax base: property rates, licences, market and motor-park fees.
Invest in revenue-yielding projects (markets, housing estates, commercial farms, transport).
Educate people on the need to pay rates.
Regular auditing and checking of corruption and leakages.
Reduce state government interference (e.g. joint account deductions).
Explain each measure.
Section A: Elements of Government
Enumerate the methods used by pressure groups to achieve their objectives.
Lobbying legislators and officials.
Sending delegations and memoranda.
Petitions and letters to the press.
Propaganda and publications (newspapers, booklets, adverts).
Seminars, symposia and workshops.
Strikes, work-to-rule and boycotts.
Peaceful demonstrations and protests.
Litigation (going to court).
Alliance with and funding of political parties and candidates.
Ultimatums.
Gifts or bribery (an unlawful method).
A list with a brief explanation of each.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
How did the people of any one British West African territory govern themselves before the advent of colonial rule?
Choose one, e.g. Nigeria (Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba or Igbo) or Ghana (Ashanti).
Example, Yoruba (Oyo): the Alaafin as political head, with religious and executive roles; Oyomesi (council of kingmakers led by the Bashorun) advised and checked him; the Ogboni checked the Oyomesi; the Are-Ona-Kakanfo led the army; quarters and villages under Baales; laws made by the Alaafin-in-council; disputes settled at family, quarter and palace courts; revenue from tributes, tolls and taxes; a ruler who lost support could be told to abdicate (empty calabash / parrot's eggs).
(Similar detail is acceptable for the Hausa/Fulani emirates or the Igbo acephalous system.)
Describe one territory's system in depth.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
State how the British colonial policies contributed to the rise of nationalism in West Africa.
Exclusion of educated Africans from top posts in the civil service.
Racial discrimination in jobs, pay and social life.
Indirect rule, which favoured chiefs over the educated elite.
Heavy taxation and forced labour.
Economic exploitation: low produce prices, control of trade by European firms.
Imposed constitutions with little African representation (e.g. Richards 1946).
Western education, which spread ideas of freedom and equality.
Use of Africans in the World Wars, which exposed the myth of white superiority.
Neglect of development and social amenities.
Repressive laws: press censorship, deportation of critics.
Link each policy to the nationalist reaction.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
Describe the main features of the 1946 Richards Constitution of Nigeria.
Divided Nigeria into three regions (North, East, West).
Regional Houses of Assembly in each region, with a House of Chiefs in the North (bicameral).
Legislative Council for the whole country, including the North for the first time.
Unofficial majority in the Legislative Council (28 unofficial to 16 official members).
Most unofficial members were nominated or indirectly chosen; only four elected (Lagos and Calabar).
Regional houses were advisory, without real law-making power.
Executive Council remained largely official; Governor kept veto and reserved powers.
Introduced regionalism, which later grew into federalism.
Describe each feature.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
Outline the objectives of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
To achieve self-government and independence for Nigeria.
To unite the people of Nigeria and the Cameroons as one nation.
To promote democratic government.
To fight colonialism and racial discrimination.
To provide political education and leadership for the masses.
To promote economic and social development and welfare.
To ensure freedom of speech, press and association.
To give Nigerians a say in the control of their economy.
Point form is acceptable.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
What were the causes of the 1975 military coup d'etat in Nigeria?
Gowon's postponement of the 1976 return-to-civil-rule date (announced October 1974).
Widespread corruption, especially among military governors.
Failure to remove long-serving and corrupt governors.
The discredited 1973 census.
Inflation and economic mismanagement (e.g. the cement armada, Udoji salary awards).
Failure to create more states as demanded.
Gowon's absence at an OAU summit in Kampala gave the plotters an opening.
Discontent and ambition within the army; slow decision-making by the regime.
The coup of 29 July 1975 brought Murtala Mohammed to power.
Explain the causes.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
(a) What is foreign policy?
(b) Outline the basic factors that influence Nigeria's foreign policy.
(a) Foreign policy is the set of principles, goals and strategies a state uses in its relations with other states and international organisations.
(b) Size and population; economic resources (oil wealth); geographical location (in West Africa, neighbours); colonial history and ties with Britain/Commonwealth; ideology (non-alignment); nature of government (military or civilian) and its leaders; ethnic and religious composition; public opinion and pressure groups; military strength; membership of international organisations (UN, OAU/AU, ECOWAS, OPEC); national interest and security.
Define, then outline at least five factors.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
Highlight the functions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Governments of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
Supreme organ of the OAU; met once a year.
Discussed matters of common concern to Africa and coordinated policies.
Reviewed the structure, functions and acts of other OAU organs and specialised agencies.
Approved the budget recommended by the Council of Ministers.
Appointed the Secretary-General and his assistants.
Amended the Charter and interpreted it.
Admitted new members.
Gave directives to the Council of Ministers.
Sought peaceful settlement of disputes among members.
(The OAU became the African Union in 2002; its Assembly continues similar functions.)
Highlight means short points.