WAEC SSCE - Civic Education - 2014 (Essay)

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(a) Five characteristics of democracy

1. Periodic free and fair elections - leaders are chosen by the people at regular intervals.
2. Rule of law - everyone is equal before the law and government acts according to law.
3. Respect for fundamental human rights - the rights and freedoms of citizens are guaranteed.
4. Existence of political parties - multiple parties give citizens a choice of candidates and programmes.
5. Separation of powers - power is shared among the legislature, executive and judiciary to prevent dictatorship. (Also majority rule with protection of minority rights and freedom of the press.)

(b) Five ways the practice of democracy can contribute to national development

1. It ensures accountability and good governance - elected leaders serve the people and can be voted out, reducing corruption.
2. It guarantees peace and stability - orderly change of government prevents violence, encouraging development.
3. It protects human rights and freedom - free citizens contribute their ideas and talents to national growth.
4. It encourages popular participation - people take part in decision-making, so policies reflect their needs.
5. It attracts foreign investment and aid - a stable democratic country attracts investors, boosting the economy and infrastructure.

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(a) Political apathy

Political apathy is a situation in which citizens show lack of interest, indifference or unwillingness to take part in the political activities of their country, such as voting, contesting for office, attending rallies or discussing public affairs.

(b) Three consequences of political apathy

1. Emergence of bad leaders - when good citizens refuse to participate, dishonest people win power.
2. Weak and unstable government - low participation reduces the legitimacy and effectiveness of government.
3. Poor development and bad policies - the interests of the indifferent majority are ignored, leading to poor governance.

(c) Three ways political apathy can be discouraged

1. Voter education and enlightenment - teaching citizens the importance of participation.
2. Conduct of free and fair elections - ensuring votes count restores confidence in the process.
3. Good governance and provision of incentives - when leaders fulfil promises and provide security, citizens are encouraged to participate.

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(a) Meaning of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10th December 1948 which sets out the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings everywhere are entitled, regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, language or nationality. It serves as a common standard of human rights for all peoples and nations of the world.

(b) Six core rights or freedoms in the UDHR of 1948

1. Right to life, liberty and security of person.
2. Freedom from slavery, torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
3. Right to equality before the law and fair hearing.
4. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
5. Freedom of opinion, expression and information.
6. Right to education, work and an adequate standard of living. (Others: freedom of movement, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the right to own property.)

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(a) Drug abuse

Drug abuse is the wrong or excessive use of drugs without a doctor's prescription, or the use of drugs for purposes other than the ones for which they were intended, in a way that is harmful to the health and behaviour of the user.

(b) Six ways drug abuse can be curbed in the society

1. Public enlightenment and education - campaigns in schools, media and religious houses on the dangers of drug abuse.
2. Strict enforcement of drug laws - agencies like the NDLEA should arrest and prosecute peddlers and users.
3. Control of sale of drugs - drugs should be sold only on doctors' prescription in registered pharmacies.
4. Provision of employment and recreation - engaging youths with jobs and healthy activities keeps them away from drugs.
5. Rehabilitation and counselling - addicts should be treated and counselled in rehabilitation centres.
6. Good parental care and moral training - parents should guide, monitor and instil good values in their children. (Also punishment of offenders to serve as deterrent.)

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(a) Citizenship education

Citizenship education is the type of education that teaches individuals the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to become responsible and effective members of their society. It informs citizens about their rights, duties and obligations, and about how their government works, so that they can participate actively and positively in the affairs of the nation.

(b) Four reasons for effective citizenship education of Nigerian youths

1. To make them aware of their rights and duties - so they can defend their rights and perform their civic obligations such as voting and paying taxes.
2. To promote patriotism and national unity - it instils love for the country and tolerance among the diverse ethnic and religious groups.
3. To produce responsible and law-abiding citizens - it teaches good values and respect for the constitution, reducing crime and indiscipline.
4. To encourage active political participation - it prepares youths to take part in governance, leadership and community development, reducing political apathy.

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(a) Human trafficking

Human trafficking is the illegal recruitment, transportation, harbouring or receipt of persons through force, deception, threat or inducement for the purpose of exploiting them, for example through forced labour, prostitution, slavery, domestic servitude or the removal of body organs.

(b) Six causes of human trafficking in Nigeria

1. Poverty - the desire to escape hardship makes people vulnerable to traffickers' false promises.
2. Unemployment - lack of jobs pushes youths to accept dubious offers of work abroad.
3. Illiteracy and ignorance - uneducated people are easily deceived by traffickers.
4. Greed and desire for quick wealth - the wish to get rich quickly, including by parents who sell their children.
5. Broken homes and large families - neglect and inability to cater for many children expose them to trafficking.
6. Weak law enforcement and corruption - poor border control and bribery allow traffickers to operate freely. (Also peer pressure and demand for cheap labour and prostitution abroad.)

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(a) Five consequences of cultism

1. Loss of lives - cult clashes and initiations lead to killings and injuries.
2. Destruction of property - cultists vandalise and destroy school and public property.
3. Expulsion and truncated education - members are dismissed from school or imprisoned, ending their academic careers.
4. Insecurity and fear - cultism creates a climate of terror on campuses and in communities.
5. Moral decay and bad reputation - it breeds violence, drug abuse and crime, and damages the image of the individual and the institution.

(b) Five ways cultism can be prevented

1. Public enlightenment and moral education - teaching students the dangers of cultism.
2. Strict laws and punishment - enforcing anti-cult laws and expelling or prosecuting offenders.
3. Good parental care and monitoring - parents should watch over the company their children keep.
4. Provision of guidance and counselling - schools should counsel students and address their problems.
5. Engaging students in useful activities - sports, clubs and skills to occupy their time, plus effective school security to check secret meetings.

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(a) What are values?

Values are the accepted principles, standards, beliefs and qualities that a society or individual regards as good, important and worthwhile, and which guide people's behaviour and choices. Examples include honesty, integrity, discipline, hard work, respect, tolerance and cooperation.

(b) Six importance of values

1. They guide behaviour - values help people to distinguish right from wrong and to act properly.
2. They promote peace and unity - shared values such as tolerance and cooperation keep the society peaceful.
3. They build good character - values like honesty and discipline develop responsible, upright citizens.
4. They ensure order and stability - respect for laws and elders keeps society orderly.
5. They promote national development - values like hard work and integrity boost productivity and reduce corruption.
6. They preserve culture and identity - values transmit the accepted way of life from one generation to another and earn respect for the individual and nation.

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(a) Popular participation

Popular participation is the active involvement of the citizens or the generality of the people in the political, social and economic activities and decision-making processes of their society, for example through voting, contesting for office, paying taxes, attending community meetings and taking part in developmental projects.

(b) Six reasons for popular participation in the society

1. To choose good leaders - participation in elections enables the people to elect credible representatives.
2. To promote good governance and accountability - it keeps leaders responsible and responsive to the people.
3. To protect the rights and interests of the people - active citizens defend their rights and demand their needs.
4. To promote development - contribution of ideas, labour and resources speeds up community and national progress.
5. To sustain democracy - wide participation strengthens and keeps the democratic system alive.
6. To promote unity and a sense of belonging - involvement makes citizens feel part of the society and fosters cooperation and peace.