Lesson Note for Government

Origins and Development of the Nigerian Government

Understanding the origins and development of the Nigerian government is critical for students preparing for the WAEC Government exam. This topic often explores the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods. The pre-colonial era covered various indigenous administrative systems, including the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa-Fulani systems. The colonial period examines the intrusion of European powers, particularly the British, their administrative styles, and the imposition of colonial rule in Nigeria.

The post-colonial era examines Nigeria's journey after gaining independence in 1960. Key subtopics include the First Republic, Military Regimes, the Second, and Third Republics, and the Fourth Republic. Students should pay attention to significant constitutional developments and changes in governance structures during these periods.

Structures and Functions of Government

This is another critical topic commonly tested in the WAEC Government exam. This section deals with the different forms of government—such as federal, unitary, and confederate systems—and their distinguishing characteristics. Students should understand the structure, roles, and functions of the three arms of government: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

Special emphasis should be placed on the Nigerian context. This includes the power relationships between the federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, understanding the functions and responsibilities of various governmental institutions and public agencies forms a significant part of this topic.

Citizenship

The concept of citizenship is another commonly tested topic. This involves understanding the rights and duties of citizens, as well as the processes and criteria for acquiring Nigerian citizenship. The WAEC Government exam may ask students to distinguish between different types of citizenship, such as by birth, registration, and naturalization.

The limitations and exceptions to these rules are also essential, so make sure you can explain conditions under which an individual may lose or be deprived of citizenship. Understanding the rights and responsibilities of Nigerian citizens, including political participation, is crucial here.

Political Parties and Pressure Groups

Political parties and pressure groups play a crucial role in any democratic setup, and questions related to these are common in the WAEC Government exam. These questions often focus on the definition, roles, types, and functions of political parties and pressure groups.

Students should be familiar with the history and development of political parties in Nigeria, from the pre-independence era to the present day. This includes understanding the major political parties, their ideologies, and their contributions to Nigeria's political development.

Elections and Electoral Systems

The topic of elections and electoral systems is another staple in the WAEC Government exam. Students should have an in-depth understanding of the types of electoral systems, including plurality/majority systems, proportional representation, and mixed systems.

In the context of Nigeria, pay special attention to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its roles, imperatives, and the challenges it faces. Additionally, understanding the electoral processes, voter registration, and machinery for conducting elections in Nigeria is crucial.

For comprehensive lesson notes on these topics and more, students can explore Green Bridge CBT learning resources. Over 66,000 past questions and 1,233 lesson notes spanning 29 subjects, including Government, are available to help students excel in their exams. Don't forget to download the Green Bridge CBT mobile app for seamless learning on the go.