WAEC SSCE - Government - 1990

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The second military coup d'état in Nigeria took place on July 29, 1966.

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The political neutrality of civil servants implies that they are not allowed to be involved in partisan politics. Civil servants are expected to serve the government of the day, regardless of which political party is in power. Political neutrality means that civil servants must not take sides or express political views publicly. They are not allowed to join political parties or participate in partisan political activities, such as campaigning or fundraising for a particular party or candidate. By being politically neutral, civil servants can maintain their impartiality and serve the government and the people in a fair and non-partisan manner.

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The first elected executive president of Nigeria was Alhaji Shehu Shagari. He was elected as the president in 1979 under the Second Republic following the end of military rule in Nigeria. Prior to his presidency, he had served as a member of parliament, minister, and as the vice-president under General Olusegun Obasanjo. Shagari was elected under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and he served as the president until 1983 when a military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew his government.

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The first Governor-General of colonial Nigeria was Lord Frederick Lugard. He was appointed in 1914 and served until 1919. Lord Lugard was a British colonial administrator who played a significant role in the establishment of British rule in Nigeria. He is remembered for his policy of indirect rule, which involved using traditional rulers and existing administrative structures to govern the country. During his time as Governor-General, Lord Lugard was instrumental in the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria into a single administrative unit, which later became known as Nigeria. He also oversaw the implementation of various policies and reforms aimed at modernizing the country and improving its economy. Overall, Lord Lugard's tenure as Governor-General of colonial Nigeria laid the foundation for the country's future development and political system. He left a lasting impact on the country's history and is remembered as a key figure in the early years of British colonial rule in Nigeria.

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In a democracy, franchise is given to all qualified adult citizens. This means that all citizens who meet the required qualifications, such as age and citizenship, are allowed to vote and participate in the democratic process. This is an important aspect of democracy as it ensures that all citizens have a say in the decision-making process and are able to hold their elected officials accountable. It also promotes equality and fairness in the political system by giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate.

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Nigeria became a federation under the 1954 Constitution because the constitution provided for a division of functions between the centre and the component units. The 1954 Constitution, which replaced the Richards Constitution of 1946, established a federal system of government in Nigeria, whereby there was a clear separation of powers and responsibilities between the central government and the regional governments. The regions were given considerable autonomy and were responsible for a range of matters such as education, health, and agriculture, while the central government had responsibility for areas such as defence, foreign affairs, and currency. This system of government was designed to give each region a measure of control over its own affairs and to ensure that power was not concentrated in the hands of the central government.

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The introduction of Indirect Rule by the British colonial government in Eastern Nigeria allowed them to rule through local leaders known as "warrant chiefs" who were selected and given authority by the colonial government. The warrant chiefs, who were often seen as corrupt and abusive, imposed heavy taxes on the people and used their power to enrich themselves. This led to widespread dissatisfaction among the people, particularly the women, who were often the most affected by the economic hardship caused by the taxes. In 1929, the women of Aba, a major trading center in Eastern Nigeria, organized a massive protest against the warrant chiefs and their taxes. The Aba Women's Riots, as they came to be known, were a series of protests that began in November 1929 and lasted for several weeks. Thousands of women from across the region came together to demand the removal of the warrant chiefs and an end to the oppressive taxation system. The women used a range of tactics, including sit-ins, demonstrations, and the destruction of property belonging to the warrant chiefs. Although the British authorities initially tried to suppress the protests, they eventually agreed to meet with the women and address their grievances. The riots were a pivotal moment in the history of Nigeria, as they marked one of the first major challenges to British colonial rule in the country. They also demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing and collective action in the face of oppression.

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The system of government that requires the control of everything and allows no opposition is called Totalitarianism. In this form of government, the state exercises complete control over all aspects of society, including political, social, and economic affairs. Totalitarian regimes typically employ strict censorship, propaganda, and repression to maintain their grip on power and suppress any dissent or opposition. Under a totalitarian system, the government often uses force to ensure obedience and conformity to its policies and ideologies. This can result in the violation of individual rights and freedoms, as well as the suppression of any groups or individuals that are deemed to be a threat to the ruling regime. Totalitarianism has been associated with some of the most oppressive regimes in history, such as Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. While some countries today may exhibit characteristics of a totalitarian system, most modern societies reject this form of government and instead promote democratic values such as freedom of speech, individual rights, and the rule of law.

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The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria was the supreme law governing Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. The constitution provided for a presidential system of government, with a head of state who is also the head of government. It also introduced the participation of women in politics by requiring that a minimum of 10% of elected officials at all levels of government be women. Additionally, the constitution emphasized the importance of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech and the right to a fair trial, and made all men equal before the law, regardless of their social status or background. However, the constitution did not provide for a House of Chiefs.

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A system in which powerful and rich nobles own the lands which are hired out to the poor people to farm is called feudalism. In a feudal system, the nobles or lords are the owners of the land, and they lease out portions of it to peasants or serfs, who work on the land in exchange for protection and the right to farm a portion of the land for their own subsistence. This system was prevalent in medieval Europe and was characterized by a hierarchical social structure, where power and wealth were concentrated in the hands of a few privileged classes, while the majority of people worked the land as serfs or peasants.

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The principle of checks and balances is necessary in government to prevent any one branch or organ of government from becoming too powerful and potentially abusive. It ensures that each branch of government has a separate and distinct role to play, with checks on the power of the other branches. For example, the executive branch enforces the law, but the legislative branch makes the law, and the judiciary interprets the law. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures that no one person or group has unchecked authority. Checks and balances also ensure that the government remains accountable to the people by preventing any one branch from dominating the others. This helps to prevent government from becoming dictatorial and abusing its power. Therefore, the correct option is "prevents government from becoming dictatorial."

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The first military government in Nigeria was headed by General Aguiyi Ironsi. After a military coup d'état on January 15, 1966, General Ironsi became the first military head of state in Nigeria. He suspended the constitution and dissolved the federal and regional governments, establishing a unitary government in Nigeria. His regime was short-lived as he was overthrown in another coup on July 29, 1966, which brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.

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On attainment of independence, Nigeria declared that she would adopt the policy of non-alignment. This meant that Nigeria would not take sides with any of the contending power blocs in the international system. The policy of non-alignment was based on the belief that Nigeria should maintain its independence and sovereignty, and not align itself with any of the major power blocs of the time, such as the United States or the Soviet Union. This allowed Nigeria to pursue its own interests and objectives, rather than being dictated to by external powers. Furthermore, non-alignment allowed Nigeria to remain neutral in international conflicts, such as the Cold War, and focus on promoting African unity and cooperation. This meant that Nigeria would not seek the opinion of her West African neighbours before taking any action in international matters, nor would she take sides with any country that offers aids to her. Overall, the policy of non-alignment was an expression of Nigeria's desire to remain neutral, independent, and sovereign, and to promote cooperation and unity in Africa without interference in the internal affairs of her neighbors.

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In the pre-colonial era, the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria did not have a centralized government. Instead, they had a system of governance that was based on the autonomous village level. Each village had its own governing council, which was made up of the eldest men in the community. These councils were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community and resolving disputes. The Igbo also had an age-grade system, which was a social organization based on age. Members of each age-grade would move up to the next level after a certain number of years, and this system provided a framework for the community to organize labor and social activities. While there were no formal kings or rulers, some villages had appointed chiefs who were responsible for carrying out the decisions of the council. These chiefs were not dictatorial in nature, but rather served as respected members of the community who were chosen for their wisdom and leadership qualities. It's worth noting that during the colonial period, the British authorities introduced the concept of "warrant chiefs" as a way to exert more control over the Igbo people. These warrant chiefs were appointed by the colonial government and often acted in ways that were not in the best interests of their communities. However, this was not a part of the traditional pre-colonial Igbo system of governance.

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The correct option is: "Withdrawal of military bases from African". During the nationalist movement in Nigeria, one of the major demands was the promotion of Africans to senior service positions. This was aimed at ensuring that Africans had greater representation and control in the colonial administration. Another demand was the increase of African representation in the legislative assemblies, as well as the improvement of conditions of service and salaries for Africans who worked in the colonial administration. Additionally, the reduction of the dictatorial powers of colonial officers was another demand of the nationalist movement in Nigeria. However, the withdrawal of military bases from Africa was not a demand of the nationalist movement in Nigeria. This is because the presence of military bases was not seen as a major issue during the struggle for independence.

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Rates in Nigeria are generally collected by the Local Government Councils. The Local Government Councils are responsible for providing basic services such as waste management, maintenance of public infrastructure, and other local services to the citizens. The funds for these services are generated through various means, including the collection of rates. The Local Government Councils are authorized to collect rates from property owners within their jurisdiction. These rates are charged as a percentage of the assessed value of the property and are used to fund the various services provided by the council. Although other government agencies, such as the Department of Inland Revenue, State Ministry of Finance, Emirate of traditional Council, and State Governors, may also be involved in revenue collection, rates are generally collected by the Local Government Councils.

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In the feudal system, the lowest class of people were the serfs. Serfs were essentially peasants who worked the land and were tied to the land they worked on. They were obligated to provide their lord with a portion of their crops or other goods produced, and they were often subject to various forms of labor and taxation. Serfs had very little power or social mobility, and they were essentially bound to their lord's estate for life.

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Nigeria broke diplomatic relations with Israel because of that country's occupation of Arab territories, including Egypt. This decision was made by the Nigerian government in 1973 as a show of solidarity with Arab nations and their opposition to Israel's military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.

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Nigeria obtained her independence on a platter of gold because the British government willingly granted it without any war or major resistance from Nigerian nationalists. Nigeria's independence was a result of a series of negotiations and constitutional conferences between Nigerian leaders and the British government. Although there were agitations and protests by various Nigerian nationalist groups, the British government realized that the cost of maintaining a colonial administration was becoming too high, and it was in their interest to grant independence to Nigeria peacefully. Therefore, Nigeria's independence was achieved through diplomacy and negotiations rather than through war or coercion.

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Power can be defined as the capacity to compel or influence others to do what they would otherwise not do. It refers to the ability of an individual, group or organization to exert control or influence over the thoughts, emotions, and behavior of others. It may be exerted through various means such as persuasion, coercion, manipulation, or force. Power can be seen in various aspects of society, including politics, business, and personal relationships. Those who possess power have the ability to make decisions, shape opinions, and control resources, often to the disadvantage of those without power.

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The Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP) was founded by Herbert Macaulay in Lagos in 1923. Macaulay, a Nigerian nationalist and politician, was one of the most prominent figures in the movement for Nigerian independence. He founded the NNDP as a political party to represent the interests of Nigerians and to push for greater autonomy and self-rule for the country. The NNDP played an important role in Nigerian politics in the 1920s and 1930s and was one of the earliest political parties in the country.

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A totalitarian government is a government that aspires to control every aspect of a citizen's life. In this type of government, the ruling authority seeks to have total control over every aspect of society, including the economy, politics, culture, and even people's personal lives. Totalitarian governments often use methods such as propaganda, censorship, surveillance, and repression to maintain their power and control over society. The individual is subordinated to the state, and the government exercises almost unlimited power over its citizens.

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In a unitary system of government, there is a high degree of centralization, which means that power and authority are concentrated in the central government. The central government has the power to make decisions and set policies that are binding on all parts of the country, including local governments and other sub-national units. In a unitary system, the parliament may not necessarily be weak, but it is subordinate to the central government. This means that the parliament may have limited powers and may not be able to challenge or override the decisions of the central government. There is typically a low degree of decentralization in a unitary system of government, as power is not shared equally among different levels of government. Local governments and other sub-national units may have limited autonomy and may be subject to the authority of the central government. Overall, a unitary system of government is characterized by a strong central government and a hierarchical relationship between different levels of government. Legislative powers can be delegated to local councils, but the central government retains ultimate authority.

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The Nigeria Teachers Institute is not a public corporation. Public corporations are government-owned businesses that operate independently to provide services and generate revenue for the government. These corporations are established by the government and operate under specific laws and regulations. The Nigeria Ports Authority, National Electric Power Authority, Nigeria National Shipping Line, and Nigeria Steel Development Authority are all public corporations in Nigeria. They are established by the government to provide specific services to the public and generate revenue for the government. The Nigeria Teachers Institute, on the other hand, is a government institution established to provide training and professional development for teachers in Nigeria. It is not a business or service provider, and therefore not a public corporation.

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The process whereby the electorate vote for representatives who in turn vote on their behalf is called an indirect election. In an indirect election, the people do not directly elect their leaders, but rather they elect representatives who will act on their behalf. These representatives are usually members of a legislative body such as a parliament or congress. In an indirect election, the people have the power to choose their representatives, who will then be responsible for making decisions on their behalf. This system is commonly used in democratic countries around the world, where the people elect their representatives to make laws and policies that will benefit society as a whole. An indirect election allows for the representation of diverse interests and views, and it also helps to ensure that the decision-making process is fair and impartial. It is an important feature of modern democratic systems, and it provides citizens with a voice in government and a means of holding their representatives accountable.

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Northern Nigeria became internally self-governed in 1959. This means that the region was granted the power to govern its own affairs and make decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure without interference from the British colonial government. The move towards self-government was part of a larger push for decolonization across Africa, as many countries sought independence from their colonial rulers. The path to self-government in Northern Nigeria was not without its challenges, including political and social tensions among different ethnic groups and the struggle to establish a functional democratic system. However, the region was ultimately successful in achieving independence in 1960, along with the rest of Nigeria, and continued to make strides towards economic and political development in the following years.

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Capitalism is an economic system in which private individuals or companies own and control the means of production and operate them for profit. This means that businesses and industries are privately owned, and individuals are free to produce and sell goods and services in a competitive market. Under capitalism, there is generally a focus on individualism, self-interest, and the pursuit of profit. This can lead to innovation, economic growth, and increased prosperity, but it can also lead to inequality and exploitation if left unchecked. The government's role in a capitalist system is generally limited to providing a legal framework for economic activity, protecting property rights, and enforcing contracts. There is no central planning or control of the economy by the state, and private property rights are upheld and protected. Therefore, the correct option is "private persons are permitted to undertake enterprises."

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A bill that applies to the whole population and is intended to promote the general welfare is called a public bill. In a democratic system of government, bills are introduced in the legislative branch of government and can either be public or private. A public bill is one that affects the general public and is intended to promote the public good, while a private bill is one that affects only specific individuals or groups. Public bills can cover a wide range of issues, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. They are introduced by members of the legislative branch and must pass through several stages before becoming law. This process usually involves debate and voting, and may also involve public hearings and consultations. Once a public bill is passed by the legislative branch, it must be signed into law by the executive branch before it can take effect. Public bills are an important tool for governments to promote the general welfare of their citizens and to address the needs of society as a whole.

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The recognition of individuals' rights and the Industrial Revolution contributed to the development of capitalism. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, brought about significant changes in the production of goods, leading to increased productivity and economic growth. At the same time, the recognition of individual rights, such as property rights and the right to free trade, enabled individuals to engage in economic activities with fewer restrictions. These factors, among others, contributed to the development of capitalism, which is an economic system based on private ownership and control of the means of production and the creation of goods and services for profit.

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The main function of the judiciary is to interpret the laws of the land. This means that the judiciary is responsible for ensuring that the laws are properly understood and applied in cases brought before them. The judiciary's interpretation of the law is based on legal principles and precedents established over time, as well as the specific facts of the case at hand. In addition to interpreting the law, the judiciary also has the responsibility of applying the law to specific cases and ensuring that justice is served. This includes protecting the rights and interests of all individuals, including accused persons, and ensuring that the legal process is fair and impartial. While the judiciary does not enact laws, its interpretation and application of the law can have a significant impact on how laws are understood and implemented. Additionally, the judiciary serves as a check on the power of the executive branch by ensuring that its actions are legal and constitutional.

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The political authority that has the power to control and govern a specific geographical area is called a state. A state typically has its own government, laws, and institutions that are responsible for maintaining order and providing public services within that territory. A state is often recognized by other states and international organizations as a sovereign entity with the right to govern its own affairs without interference from external sources. Examples of states include the United States, Russia, and China.

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The institution that preserves civil liberty in Nigeria is the Law Courts. The Law Courts are responsible for interpreting and applying the law, and they serve as the last resort for citizens seeking redress when their civil liberties have been violated. The courts are independent of the executive and legislative branches of government, and their decisions are binding on all parties. They play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens.

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When a constitution is difficult to amend, it is said to be "rigid." A rigid constitution is one that cannot be easily changed or amended. In a rigid constitution, there are usually strict procedures and requirements that must be met before any changes can be made. The purpose of a rigid constitution is to ensure that fundamental principles and values are preserved over time and not subject to the whims of temporary majorities or passing fads. It is intended to provide stability and continuity in the legal framework of a country. In contrast, a "flexible" constitution is one that can be easily amended or changed. This allows for more flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances but can also lead to instability and uncertainty in the legal system. Overall, the choice between a rigid or flexible constitution is a balance between the need for stability and continuity on one hand, and flexibility and adaptability on the other. It depends on the particular needs and circumstances of each country.

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In the Second Republic of Nigeria, the state legislature was called the "House of Assembly". The House of Assembly was responsible for making laws and overseeing the activities of the state government. Each state had its own House of Assembly, and the members were elected by the people of the state to represent them in the legislative process. The House of Assembly worked in conjunction with the National Assembly, which was responsible for making laws at the federal level.

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An election which is conducted to fill a vacant seat in a legislature is called a bye-election. This type of election is also referred to as a special election or a by-election. It is usually held when there is a vacancy in an elected office, such as a legislative seat, due to death, resignation, or disqualification of the incumbent. The bye-election is held to fill the vacancy and ensure that the representation of the people in that office is maintained. Unlike a general election which involves the election of all representatives, a bye-election is limited to a specific office or constituency.

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Under the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria, the members of the Federal Executive Council were called Ministers. The Federal Executive Council is the body responsible for advising the President on the administration of the affairs of the Federation. The Ministers were appointed by the President, with the approval of the Senate, to oversee the various ministries of the government, such as Health, Education, and Finance. The Ministers were accountable to the President and the National Assembly for the performance of their duties.

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A government in which the control of ultimate power is by a few who rule for their own selfish interest is classified as an oligarchy. In an oligarchy, a small group of people, usually from the elite or wealthy class, hold all the power and make decisions that benefit their own interests rather than the interests of the general population. This small group of people can be from any sector of society, including political, economic, or military. Oligarchies are characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a few, who often use their influence to control the media, judiciary, and other institutions to maintain their hold on power. This can lead to a lack of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs and desires of the general population. In contrast, democracies are governments in which the power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. In a democracy, the interests of the general population are taken into consideration in decision-making, and there are checks and balances in place to ensure that those in power are held accountable to the people. Overall, oligarchies are governments in which a few individuals hold all the power and make decisions that benefit their own interests, while democracies are governments in which the power is held by the people, and decisions are made to benefit the interests of the general population.

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To be qualified as the president of Nigeria according to the 1979 Constitution, one must have attained the age of 35 years. This means that a person must be at least 35 years old to be eligible to run for the presidency in Nigeria. The age requirement is put in place to ensure that the person who aspires to become the president has enough life experience and maturity to handle the responsibilities that come with the position.

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In the absence of traditional rulers in Igbo communities, the British colonial administration appointed Warrant Chiefs to administer local affairs. The Igbo people of Nigeria have a long history of self-governance through democratic processes and village councils. However, the British colonial administration, in their effort to exert control over the people, abolished these democratic structures and replaced them with a centralized system of indirect rule. To administer local affairs, the British colonial administration appointed Warrant Chiefs who were seen as collaborators with the colonial regime. The Warrant Chiefs were selected from among the educated elite in the communities and were given authority to collect taxes, settle disputes and maintain law and order. The imposition of Warrant Chiefs was highly unpopular among the Igbo people, who saw them as puppets of the colonial regime. The system of Warrant Chiefs was eventually abolished in the 1930s, after a series of protests and uprisings by the Igbo people.

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The popular principle of colonial administration in British West Africa was indirect rule. Indirect rule is a system of governance where the colonial power rules through existing indigenous authorities or rulers. In the case of British West Africa, the British used traditional rulers and local institutions to implement their policies and maintain control. This system allowed the British to govern the colonies with minimal direct intervention, while still maintaining control and preserving traditional structures of authority. The British believed that indirect rule was cheaper and more efficient than direct rule, and also helped to maintain social stability.

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Public opinion is very important because it lets the government know what the people want. Public opinion represents the views, beliefs, and sentiments of the general public on various issues. When people express their opinions, the government can understand what is important to the citizens and take appropriate actions to address their needs and concerns. Public opinion is crucial in a democratic system, as it ensures that the government is accountable to the people it serves. It allows the government to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the people, rather than just a select few.

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The progressive nature of Nigeria's foreign policy between 1979 is attributed to various factors, including the influence of radical intellectuals, military officers who were acting in foreign affairs before coming into the government, Nigeria's oil money, and public opinion. However, the option that is not attributed to the progressive nature of Nigeria's foreign policy between 1979 is the influence of the American government. Therefore, the correct option is "the influence of the American government."

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The branch of government that is responsible for implementing laws is the Executive Branch. In a democratic system of government, the Executive Branch is usually headed by the President, Prime Minister, or some other head of state or government. The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing and administering laws that are passed by the Legislature or Parliament. The Executive Branch is typically made up of a number of different departments, agencies, and ministries that are responsible for different areas of government. For example, there may be a Department of Education, a Department of Health, and a Department of Defense. Each of these departments is headed by a Minister or Secretary who is responsible for implementing the policies and laws that have been passed by the Legislature. In addition to implementing laws, the Executive Branch is also responsible for developing and proposing new laws and policies to address the needs of society. This is typically done through the process of developing and presenting legislation to the Legislature for consideration. Overall, the Executive Branch plays a crucial role in the functioning of a democratic system of government by ensuring that laws are effectively and efficiently implemented for the benefit of society.

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In the process of governing, "input" refers to the demands made by individuals and groups for action by the authorities. These demands can take various forms, such as petitions, protests, or lobbying efforts. Input represents the interests and needs of the public and serves as a basis for the decision-making process of the authorities. The input is then transformed into official policies and regulations, which are enforced by public officials.

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