(a) Distinguish between a Secretary of State for... | WAEC SSCE - Government - 2010 (Essay)

Question 1 Report

(a) Distinguish between a Secretary of State for the Colonies and a Governor-General in the British Colonial administration.

(b) Highlight five functions of the Governor-General in the British West Africa shortly after independence.

Answer

Answer Details

(a) Distinction between a Secretary of State for the Colonies and a Governor-General

Secretary of State for the Colonies	Governor-General
A British cabinet minister based in London.	The British Crown's chief representative resident in the colony.
Had overall responsibility for the administration of all British colonies.	Responsible for the administration of one particular colony.
Gave policy directives and instructions to the Governors.	Received and carried out the directives in the colony.
Was answerable to the British Parliament.	Was answerable to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Did not reside in the colony.	Resided in and governed from the colony.

(b) Functions of the Governor-General in British West Africa shortly after independence

Ceremonial Head of State: He represented the Queen and performed ceremonial and formal duties on her behalf.
Appointment of the Prime Minister: He formally appointed the leader of the majority party in Parliament as Prime Minister.
Assent to bills: He gave the royal assent that turned bills passed by Parliament into law.
Summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament: He performed these functions on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Appointment of ministers and other officials: He formally appointed ministers, judges and senior officers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

(a) Distinguish between a Secretary of State for the Colonies and a Governor-General in the British Colonial administration. (b) Highlight five functions of...