WAEC SSCE - Government - 1991

Centralization of power is a basic feature of a

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Centralization of power is a basic feature of a unitary government. In a unitary government, the central government holds most of the power, and it delegates some powers to the local governments or sub-national units. The central government can take back these delegated powers if it sees fit. This means that decisions are made by the central government and are binding on all sub-national units. On the other hand, in a federal government, power is shared between the central government and the sub-national units, and both levels of government have their own areas of responsibility. In a confederal government, the sub-national units hold most of the power, and the central government only has limited power over them. In a presidential government, the president is the head of the executive branch of government, while in a parliamentary government, the executive branch is led by the parliament or a prime minister chosen by the parliament. However, neither of these forms of government inherently require centralization of power.

By the 1979 constitution, the president has all the following powers except

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According to the 1979 constitution, the President has the power to sign bills into law, control the civil service, prepare and present the annual budget, and proclaim a state of emergency. However, the President does not have the power to swear in a new President. This power is usually given to another official, such as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Senate President, depending on the country's laws and constitution.

The Legislative Council under the 1946 constitution in Nigeria has a total of

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The Legislative Council under the 1946 constitution in Nigeria had a total of 45 members. This means that there were 45 individuals who served as representatives in the Legislative Council at that time.

The election officer charged with the responsibility of announcing election results is the

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The election officer charged with the responsibility of announcing election results is the Returning Officer. This is the person who is in charge of overseeing the conduct of the election in a particular constituency or district. They are responsible for collecting and counting the votes, and ultimately announcing the results of the election. The Returning Officer is typically appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the relevant electoral body, and their role is crucial in ensuring the integrity and credibility of the election process.

Military disengagement from politics involves all the following except

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The lack of interest in the politics by many citizens in the country is referred to as

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The lack of interest in politics by many citizens in a country is referred to as "mass apathy". This means that people are indifferent or unconcerned about participating in the political process or making their voices heard on important issues that affect their lives. It can be caused by various factors such as disillusionment with the political system, lack of trust in politicians, or a feeling of powerlessness to effect change. Mass apathy can have significant consequences on democracy, as it can lead to a lack of accountability and a disengagement from the democratic process.

Which of the following best describes public opinion?

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Public opinion refers to the important political views of a large segment of the population. It represents the collective attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of the people towards different social, economic, and political issues that affect them. Public opinion is not the opinion of elites or the ruling party, nor is it limited to the political views of important groups or members of the opposition party. Rather, it encompasses the diverse opinions of ordinary citizens who share common interests and concerns about the direction of their society and government. Public opinion can be shaped by various factors such as media, education, personal experiences, and social interactions.

The origin of democracy is associated with the

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The origin of democracy is associated with the Greeks. Ancient Greek city-states, such as Athens, developed a system of government that allowed citizens to participate in decision-making through voting in public assemblies. This system was called "demokratia" which means "rule by the people" in Greek. Athenian democracy is considered one of the earliest forms of democracy in the world, where citizens had the right to vote and participate in the government, regardless of their social status or wealth. The principles of Greek democracy influenced later democracies around the world, making it an important development in human history.

The transfer of political power to local authorities by the central government is known as

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The transfer of political power from a central government to local authorities is known as "devolution of power" or simply "devolution." This means that certain decision-making powers and responsibilities, such as those related to public services and economic development, are shifted from the national government to regional or local governments. Decentralization is another term used to describe this process. Essentially, it allows local communities to have more control over their own affairs and to tailor policies and programs to their unique needs and circumstances.

The three basic fundamental rights of citizens are

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The three basic fundamental rights of citizens are life, liberty, and property. Life refers to the right to live and be safe from harm or danger. It means that the government cannot take away someone's life without a justifiable reason, such as a lawful punishment for a crime. Liberty means the freedom to act and make choices without unreasonable interference from the government or others. It includes freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to a fair trial. Property refers to the right to own and use personal property and resources without interference from others or the government. It includes physical property such as homes and land, as well as intangible assets like patents and copyrights.

An elected politician represents all the following except

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Which of the following ideals has not been violated by any member of OAU?

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Parliamentary supremacy implies all the following except that

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The political arrangement which emphasizes community feeling and togetherness is called

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The political arrangement that emphasizes community feeling and togetherness is called "communalism." Communalism is a political philosophy that prioritizes the interests of the community over those of individuals, and seeks to promote social harmony and cooperation within the community. It emphasizes the importance of shared values, beliefs, and traditions, and seeks to build solidarity among community members. Communalism can manifest in different ways, such as through cultural, religious, or ethnic identities. However, it can also lead to conflict with other communities, especially if there are competing interests or differences in values.

Which of the following actions is not a from of political participation?

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The action that is not a form of political participation is "bribing an electoral officer." Political participation refers to any activity by citizens that influence or support the governance of their country. Voting in an election, contesting an election, and joining a political party are all forms of political participation as they allow citizens to engage in the democratic process and have a say in the decisions made by their government. Paying income tax is also a form of political participation as it is a civic duty that contributes to the government's ability to provide public services. However, bribing an electoral officer is illegal and undermines the democratic process by manipulating the outcome of an election. It is a corrupt activity that goes against the principles of fair and free elections, and therefore, it is not a form of political participation.

The mechanism used to limit a parliamentary debate is known as

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The mechanism used to limit a parliamentary debate is known as "guillotine." It is a procedure that sets a time limit for the debate on a particular issue or bill in a parliamentary session. Once the time limit is reached, the debate is cut short, and a vote is taken on the issue. This is done to ensure that the parliamentary session runs smoothly and that other important issues can be addressed. The guillotine mechanism is often used in parliamentary systems to ensure that the legislative process does not become bogged down by lengthy debates on a single issue.

The founder and edit of the West African Pilot was

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The founder and editor of the West African Pilot was Nnamdi Azikiwe. He was a Nigerian journalist, politician, and statesman who played a leading role in Nigeria's struggle for independence from Britain. Azikiwe founded the West African Pilot in 1937, which was a popular newspaper in West Africa that advocated for independence and democracy. The newspaper also provided a platform for African writers and intellectuals to express their views and opinions. Azikiwe used the newspaper as a tool to mobilize people for political action, and it played a significant role in the decolonization of West Africa.

The successor of Margaret Thatcher as the British Prime Minister is

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Margaret Thatcher was succeeded by John Major as the British Prime Minister. He served as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, after Thatcher resigned due to internal conflicts within the Conservative Party. Major was previously a member of Thatcher's cabinet and was Chancellor of the Exchequer before becoming Prime Minister. During his tenure, Major faced challenges such as economic recession and conflicts within his own party, but also played a significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

Who was the Nigerian diplomat elected president of United Nations General Assembly?

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Which of the following was not a result of nationalist activities in West Africa?

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A country that has experienced incessant military interregnum is said to have fallen into the

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When a country has experienced a continuous period of military rule or intervention, it is said to have fallen into what is called a "praetorian trap." This is because the military has become a dominant force in the country's political system, and it is difficult for civilian authorities to regain control. The term "praetorian" comes from the Praetorian Guard, an elite military unit that played a role in the Roman Empire's political power struggles. So, in essence, a country that has fallen into a praetorian trap is one where the military has become a powerful political force that undermines civilian rule and democratic processes.

The three basic fundamental rights of citizens are

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The three basic fundamental rights of citizens are life, liberty, and property. Life refers to the right to live and to be free from physical harm or injury. It means that every person has the right to exist and to be protected from any action that may endanger their life. Liberty means the right to freedom and autonomy. It encompasses various aspects of freedom, including freedom of thought, speech, and religion, as well as the freedom to pursue happiness and one's goals without undue interference from the government or others. Property refers to the right to own and control one's possessions and assets. This includes both tangible assets such as land and personal property, as well as intangible assets such as intellectual property. These three fundamental rights are essential for a democratic society, as they ensure that individuals have the basic freedom and protections necessary to live a full and meaningful life.

The power of a state government to make policies, issue orders and spend public funds is an attribute of its

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The power of a state government to make policies, issue orders, and spend public funds is an attribute of its political authority. Political authority refers to the ability of a government to make decisions and enforce laws that affect the people within its jurisdiction. This authority is derived from the consent of the governed and is exercised through various branches of government, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The state government's administrative authority, judiciary authority, and other forms of authority are all ultimately derived from its political authority, which is the foundation of its power to govern.

The equivalent of the modern-day prime minister under the Hausa-Fulani pre-colonial system was the

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The equivalent of the modern-day prime minister under the Hausa-Fulani pre-colonial system was the Waziri. The Waziri was the second most important official in the emirate after the Emir (Sarkin). He was the chief advisor to the Emir and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration of the emirate. The Waziri was also responsible for representing the Emir at important ceremonies and meetings. He was chosen from among the most influential and respected members of the emirate and was expected to be a man of great wisdom and integrity.

Military government usually lacks political

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Parliamentary government is different from presidential government because

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Parliamentary government is different from presidential government mainly because of the way the executive branch is structured. In a parliamentary government, the executive branch is headed by a Prime Minister, who is chosen from the members of the legislative branch (parliament). This means that the Head of Government and the legislature are connected and work together closely. In contrast, in a presidential government, the executive branch is headed by a President, who is elected separately from the legislature. This means that the President and the legislature are separate branches of government and can sometimes have competing interests. Another key difference is the role of the Head of State. In a parliamentary government, there is usually a ceremonial Head of State (such as a monarch or a president with limited powers), who represents the country in official functions but has limited political power. In a presidential government, the President serves as both the Head of State and the Head of Government, with significant political power. Overall, the main differences between parliamentary and presidential government relate to the structure of the executive branch and the role of the Head of State.

Which of the following is not common to both political parties and pressure groups in post-independence Nigeria?

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All the following are sources of revenue to local government except

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The Secretary-General of the UN occupies a peculiar position because he is

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The Secretary-General of the UN has a unique position because they serve as the head of the United Nations Secretariat, which is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the organization. They are appointed by the General Assembly, and unlike many other officials, they are not accountable to any individual government but to the UN as a whole. Additionally, the Secretary-General is responsible to all organs of the UN and not just one in particular. They are also assisted by several other secretarial staff in their duties.

Which of the following is not a problem of civil service?

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The problem that is not related to civil service is "Advising political leaders." Civil service refers to the body of government employees who are responsible for implementing public policies and delivering public services. While civil servants may provide advice and recommendations to their political leaders, it is not considered a problem. In fact, providing sound advice and expertise to policymakers is one of the key functions of the civil service. Now, let's briefly explain the other problems mentioned in the options: - Red-tapism: This refers to excessive bureaucracy, where officials are more focused on following rules and regulations than getting things done efficiently. - Over-devotion to precedence: This refers to a situation where officials are more concerned about following established procedures than responding to the needs of the public or making decisions based on merit. - Improper keeping of records: This refers to poor record-keeping practices, which can lead to inefficiencies, corruption, and a lack of accountability. - Poor attitude to government work: This refers to a situation where civil servants lack motivation or commitment to their work, which can result in poor performance and a lack of public trust in government institutions.

The problem of the minority groups in Nigeria was first raised in the

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Which of the following is not a specialized agency of the United Nations Organization?

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Article 3 of the North Atlantic Charter of 1941 recognized the

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Which of the following does not belong to the exclusive legislature introduced into the Northern Region of Nigeria?

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When a pressure group is made up of people of the same profession, it is called

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When a pressure group is made up of people who share the same profession, it is called an "occupational group". This means that the group is made up of individuals who work in the same field or industry and who have a shared interest in promoting their professional goals and protecting their interests. For example, an occupational group for doctors might work to improve healthcare policies or to advocate for better working conditions for medical professionals. Similarly, an occupational group for teachers might lobby for increased education funding or for changes to standardized testing policies. Overall, occupational groups are one type of interest group, which is a broader term used to describe any organization or association that works to influence government policies and decisions.

The Aba riot of 1929 was a direct consequence of the

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The Public Complaints Commission helps to promote all the following except

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The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) is a government agency that helps to protect the rights of citizens by investigating complaints against public officials or institutions. Its primary function is to promote democracy, the rule of law, justice, and fundamental human rights by providing an avenue for citizens to seek redress for grievances they may have with the government. However, the PCC does not promote military dictatorship. In fact, the opposite is true: the PCC helps to promote democratic principles and the rule of law, which are antithetical to military dictatorship. Military dictatorship is a form of government in which the military has absolute power and control over the government and the citizens. It often involves the suppression of democratic institutions, the violation of human rights, and the absence of the rule of law. Therefore, the PCC does not promote military dictatorship, but rather works to promote democratic principles and the rule of law, which are essential for protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions.

The pre-colonial political organization described as acephalous was the

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The pre-colonial political organization described as acephalous was the Igbo political organization. This means that the Igbo society did not have a centralized system of government with a single ruler or monarch. Instead, political power was distributed among various villages and clans, each with their own governing council and leader. This system is also known as a "stateless" or "segmentary" system, where power and authority are dispersed horizontally rather than vertically.

A quesi-federal constitution will produce

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A quasi-federal constitution typically produces a strong central government with some degree of devolution of power to the subnational units. This means that while the central government retains significant power, the subnational units also have some level of autonomy and decision-making power within their jurisdictions. Overall, a quasi-federal system tends to strike a balance between a strong central government and strong component governments. This can lead to greater stability and unity in the country, as well as a better ability to address issues that affect both the central government and the subnational units. At the same time, it also allows for some level of diversity and local decision-making, which can lead to better governance and improved outcomes for citizens. However, the specific nature and degree of power-sharing in a quasi-federal system can vary depending on the specific provisions of the constitution and the political dynamics within the country. As such, it is important to examine the specific details of each case to fully understand the implications of a quasi-federal constitution.

During the early colonial period in Nigeria, the governor ruled the protectorate by

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During the early colonial period in Nigeria, the governor ruled the protectorate through Proclamations. A proclamation is an official announcement made by a government or ruler, which carries the force of law. The governor had the authority to issue proclamations, which were used to create laws and regulations that governed various aspects of life in the colony, such as trade, land ownership, and taxation. These proclamations were enforced by the governor and his appointed officials, and failure to comply could result in punishment, including imprisonment or fines. Therefore, the governor's power to rule was primarily based on his ability to issue and enforce proclamations.

In a one-party state

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In a one-party state, only one political party is officially recognized by the government, and there is no legal opposition. This means that the ruling party has a monopoly on political power and can make decisions without any opposition or challenge from other parties. Elections may still be held, but only the one recognized party is allowed to participate and win. The government may also have the power to disband any other political parties that may arise.

Nigeria was formally divided into three regions under the constitution of

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The background work for the 1979 constitution started with the

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The process of creating the 1979 Constitution for a particular country began with the establishment of a constitution drafting committee in 1975. This committee was tasked with the responsibility of writing a draft of the constitution. In 1976, a 49-member committee was also established to review the draft constitution and make recommendations for improvements. During this time, a report on the constitution was published in 1976 by Rotimi Williams, which highlighted some of the key issues that needed to be addressed in the constitution. In 1976, 230 constituent assembly members were appointed to review and finalize the draft constitution. After several rounds of review and amendments, the final version of the constitution was promulgated in 1979. Therefore, the background work for the 1979 Constitution started with the establishment of the constitution drafting committee in 1975, and it involved several stages of review, recommendations, and amendments before the final promulgation of the constitution in 1979.

African members of the Commonwealth of Nationals include all the following nations group except

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The African members of the Commonwealth of Nations that are NOT included in one of the groups listed are Guinea, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Group 1 includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and The Gambia. Group 2 includes Kenya, Zambia, The Gambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Group 3 includes Nigeria, Kenya, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. Group 4 includes Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana. Group 5 includes Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia. Therefore, the answer is group 3, which includes Guinea and Sierra Leone, among others, as they are not mentioned in any of the other groups.

One can identify a rigid constitution by its

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A rigid constitution is identified by its difficult amendment procedure, which means that it cannot be easily changed. This is usually done to ensure that certain fundamental principles and values of the country are not easily altered or undermined by temporary political or social forces. The length, nature and scope of the constitution, as well as its salient provisions and sources, do not necessarily determine whether a constitution is rigid or flexible.

The term government refers to all the following except

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The highest court of any state judiciary in Nigeria under the 1979 constitution is the

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Which of the following is not a function of the police?

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The police are responsible for ensuring law and order within a society. They have several functions, including maintaining peace, preventing crime, and protecting the public. However, the police do not have the authority to enact laws. Lawmaking is the responsibility of the legislative branch of the government. The police are only authorized to enforce the laws that have been passed by the legislative branch. Therefore, "enacting laws" is not a function of the police.

Under a presidential system of government, the chief executive is accountable to the

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Who among the following was not a founding father of the Nigerian Youth Movement?

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Which of the following does not affect delimitation of constituencies?

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One of the pioneering figures in the pan-African movement was

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One of the pioneering figures in the pan-African movement was Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois. He was an American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who played a significant role in advocating for the rights of African Americans and promoting pan-Africanism. Du Bois believed that people of African descent around the world shared a common history, culture, and struggle against racism and oppression. He saw the pan-African movement as a way to unite people of African descent in a common cause and to promote their social, economic, and political advancement. In 1900, Du Bois attended the first Pan-African Conference in London, which brought together African and African American leaders to discuss ways to promote the interests of people of African descent around the world. He went on to become one of the most prominent leaders of the pan-African movement, organizing subsequent conferences and advocating for the decolonization of Africa and the rights of people of African descent globally. Overall, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois is widely recognized as a key figure in the pan-African movement, who worked tirelessly to promote unity and advancement among people of African descent around the world.

On which of the following was the Hausa/Fulani political system based before the introduction of indirect Rule?

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Which of the following organs of the OAU approves the organization's annual budget? The

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In the pre-colonial political system of the Yoroba, the traditional ruler had

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In the pre-colonial political system of the Yoruba, the traditional ruler had legislative, executive, and judicial powers. This means that the ruler had the authority to make laws, enforce laws, and interpret laws. The ruler was responsible for maintaining order and resolving disputes within the community. The Yoruba political system was highly centralized, with the ruler as the ultimate authority. The ruler was advised by a council of elders, but ultimately had the final say in all matters concerning the community.

The ten non-permanent members of the Un Security are elected by

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The ten non-permanent members of the UN Security Council are elected by a simple majority of the General Assembly. This means that out of all the member countries in the UN, more than half of them need to vote in favor of a particular country to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council. This election happens every two years and the elected members serve for a period of two years.

Political participation in Nigeria is limited by all the following except

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Political participation in Nigeria can be limited by various factors. However, one of the options listed does not limit political participation in Nigeria, and that is religion. Decrees, which are laws passed by the government without going through the normal legislative process, can limit political participation by restricting freedoms such as freedom of speech and association. Voter's register can limit political participation by disenfranchising eligible voters who are not registered to vote. Residence can also limit political participation by making it difficult for people to participate in elections in areas where they are not registered to vote. Age can limit political participation by excluding young people who have not attained the age of majority from participating in elections. However, religion does not limit political participation in Nigeria. Nigerians of different religions are free to participate in politics and vote for candidates of their choice. While religion may influence people's political views and choices, it is not a barrier to political participation in Nigeria.

Which of the following best describe the system of government in Nigeria between 1922 and 1953?

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Between 1922 and 1953, Nigeria had a colonial system of government. The system of government was mainly Unitary. This means that power was centralized in the hands of the British colonial authorities who ruled Nigeria from the capital city, Lagos. The colonial government controlled all aspects of governance, including legislation, executive decisions, and the judiciary. The traditional rulers and local authorities were subject to the control and influence of the colonial authorities. Therefore, the colonial government had complete control over Nigeria during this period, and the country was not self-governed. Nigeria did not become a federal republic until 1963 when it gained independence from Britain.

The major factor underlying the first military coup in Nigeria was

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What has been the role of Nigeria as a member of the United Nations Organisation? 

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None

Account for the frequent military coups in Nigeria.

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None

What is Political participation? How does a citizen participate in politics?
 

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None

State the characteristic features of the cabinet system that distinguish it from the presidential system.

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None

 Discuss the different types of pressure groups. Illustrate with relevant examples. 
 

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None

Describe the role of the cabinet in government. 
 

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None

Discuss any five major crises that led to the Nigerian civil war. 

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None

Why will the one-party system not be a good option for Nigeria? 
 

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None

What were the factors that necessitated the adoption of a federal system of government in Nigeria.? 

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None