WAEC SSCE - Government - 1999

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A feature of democratic government is that it is representative and accountable. This means that in a democratic government, the people elect their representatives through free and fair elections. The elected representatives are then accountable to the people and are expected to represent their interests and needs. Democratic government also upholds the rule of law, protects individual rights and freedoms, encourages open and honest debate, and promotes transparency and accountability in government actions. Overall, a democratic government is based on the principle of popular sovereignty, which means that power lies with the people and the government is created to serve their interests.

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Judicial review refers to the process by which the courts review the actions or decisions of the government, particularly the executive and legislative branches, to determine their constitutionality. It is a key aspect of the system of checks and balances in a democracy, allowing the judiciary to ensure that the government is operating within the limits of the law and the constitution. Judicial review can also settle disputes between citizens and the government or between different levels of government.

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According to Marxism, those who own and control productive resources in a capitalist state are exploiters. In a capitalist system, the means of production (such as factories, land, and machinery) are owned by the capitalist class, also known as the bourgeoisie. They use these resources to produce goods and services and to generate profits, which they keep for themselves. The working class, or proletariat, on the other hand, sells their labor to the capitalist class in exchange for wages. Marx argued that the bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat by paying them less than the value of their labor, thereby extracting surplus value and accumulating wealth.

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One of the important functions of political parties is educating the electorate through rallies and campaigns. Political parties aim to gain the support of the people and win elections. To achieve this, they organize rallies and campaigns where they explain their ideologies and policies. Through these activities, political parties educate the electorate on the issues that affect them and the country. They also provide a platform for citizens to express their opinions and concerns. This way, political parties help to create an informed and engaged electorate, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

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During the first republic (1960-1966), the implementation of Nigerian foreign policy was primarily pro-Western. The Nigerian government under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa aligned itself with the Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, in their Cold War struggle against the Soviet Union and its allies. Nigeria also supported the decolonization efforts of other African countries and played a leading role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. However, Nigeria's pro-Western stance was not exclusive, as the country also maintained relations with other countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

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The colonial Government whose constitution introduced elective principle into the Nigerian politics was Hugh Clifford. Hugh Clifford was a British colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Nigeria from 1920 to 1931. During his tenure, he introduced the Clifford Constitution of 1922, which allowed for limited elective representation in the legislative council. This marked the first time Nigerians were allowed to participate in their own governance, although the electorate was limited to only a small percentage of the population.

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The system of government recommended by the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria was the presidential system. In this system, the President serves as both the Head of State and the Head of Government, with separate branches of government for the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government. The President is directly elected by the people and has significant powers and responsibilities, including the ability to appoint and dismiss ministers, propose and veto legislation, and act as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

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According to Marxism, those who own and control productive resources in a capitalist state are the "exploiters." In Marxist theory, capitalism is based on the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class, who own the means of production and profit from the surplus value generated by the labor of the workers. The managers may be part of the capitalist class, but they are not necessarily the owners of the productive resources, and they may also be workers themselves. The unionists are representatives of the workers and work towards protecting the rights and interests of the workers.

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The basic feature of the rule of law is "Equality before the law." This means that all individuals, regardless of their status, wealth, or power, are subject to the same laws and legal procedures. No one is above the law, and everyone should be treated equally and fairly under the law. This ensures that there is no discrimination or favoritism in the legal system, and it promotes justice and fairness in society. The other options mentioned in the question, such as secret trials of offenders, executive control of the judiciary, and unlimited powers for the police, are not basic features of the rule of law, and may even be seen as violations of the rule of law.

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In a democracy, political sovereignty resides with the electorate, which refers to the citizens who are eligible to vote and participate in the political process. This means that the power to make decisions about the direction and policies of the government rests with the people who elect their representatives. The legislature and president are part of the government and have specific roles in the decision-making process, but ultimately they are accountable to the electorate who hold the power to choose or remove them from office. The judiciary is an independent branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying the laws, but it does not hold political sovereignty.

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The most powerful organ of the United Nations is the Security Council. The Security Council is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has the power to authorize military action and impose sanctions on countries that threaten peace. The Security Council is made up of 15 members, five of whom are permanent (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten of whom are elected for two-year terms. The decisions made by the Security Council are binding on all member states of the United Nations.

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Local government laws are known as "bye-laws." Bye-laws are a set of laws and regulations made by a local authority, such as a city council or a town board, to govern the local area. These laws are specific to the local area and address issues such as public health, sanitation, noise pollution, and land use. Bye-laws are typically made in accordance with the provisions of an Act of Parliament or other higher legal authority, and they are enforced by local government officials.

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Free and fair election can exist where there is secret balloting. Secret balloting ensures that voters are free to choose their preferred candidates without fear of intimidation or coercion. It also prevents the possibility of vote-buying, vote-selling, and vote-rigging, as each voter's choice is kept confidential. Double voting, referendum, and plebiscite do not necessarily guarantee free and fair elections as they can be subject to manipulation and abuse.

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The entrenchment in a constitution refers to the inclusion of provisions that are difficult to amend or remove. Fundamental human rights are usually expected to be entrenched in a constitution. These rights are considered to be inherent to human beings and should not be violated by the government or any other individual or institution. Entrenching these rights in a constitution provides a legal framework for their protection and ensures that they are not easily changed or taken away by those in power. Examples of fundamental human rights include freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the right to life, and the right to a fair trial.

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The essence of a constitution is to safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens. It is a fundamental document that outlines the rules and principles governing a country or organization. The constitution ensures that those in power do not violate the rights of the people and provides a framework for the organization and operation of the government. The constitution also establishes the rights and obligations of citizens, outlines the limits of governmental power, and serves as a protection for the minority groups against the majority. In summary, the constitution serves as a social contract between the government and the people, ensuring a fair and just society for all.

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The greatest achievement of nationalist movements in West Africa was the attainment of independence by member states. This means that after a long period of colonial rule by European powers, the people of West Africa were able to gain control of their own governments and determine their own destinies. This was a significant accomplishment for the people of the region, as it allowed them to establish their own political, economic, and social systems, and to take their place as independent nations on the world stage.

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The organ of the United Nations responsible for negotiating agreements with the specialized agencies is the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). ECOSOC is one of the six main organs of the United Nations and is responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development. It coordinates the work of the United Nations' specialized agencies and is authorized to negotiate agreements with them to ensure their activities are in line with the overall goals and policies of the United Nations. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Economic and Social Council.

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The rights to freedom of speech means that people are free to express their opinion within the limits of the law. This means that individuals have the right to express their views, ideas, or criticisms about the government or any other topic they choose, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others or break any laws. Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right that is essential to the functioning of a democratic society, allowing individuals to participate in government, engage in public debate, and hold those in power accountable.

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The passing of a vote-of-no-confidence is a method of removing the Executive in a parliamentary system of government. In a parliamentary system of government, the executive (prime minister and cabinet) is drawn from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it. A vote-of-no-confidence is a parliamentary procedure that allows the legislature to remove the executive by passing a motion stating that it no longer has confidence in the executive. If the motion is passed, the executive must resign or call for new elections. This procedure is not applicable to other forms of government, such as military, presidential or confederal systems.

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According to Marxism, those who own and control productive resources in a capitalist state are the "exploiters". In Marxist theory, capitalism is a system in which the bourgeoisie (the owners of the means of production) exploit the proletariat (the working class) for their labor, and appropriate the surplus value created by the workers. The managers, unionists, and workers are considered part of the proletariat, as they do not own the means of production, and are therefore not in control of the wealth created by their labor.

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The English language links the Commonwealth countries together. The Commonwealth is an organization of 54 member states, most of which were formerly under British colonial rule. English is the official language of the Commonwealth and is widely spoken across its member states. It is used for official communication, business, education, and other purposes. As a result, the English language plays an important role in linking the diverse Commonwealth countries and facilitating their interactions and cooperation.

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A one-party system of government refers to a political system in which only one political party is allowed to hold power and govern the country. This system can lead to autocracy, which is a form of government where an individual or a small group of people hold absolute power, often suppressing the rights and freedoms of citizens. In a one-party system, there is little to no opposition, which can lead to corruption and abuse of power. Without a robust system of checks and balances, the ruling party can become an oligarchy, where a small group of people hold power and control over resources, policies, and decision-making, while the majority of the people are excluded. Thus, a one-party system of government can lead to a lack of political pluralism, limited political participation, and stifle freedom of speech and expression.

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A multi-member constituency is one in which two or more representatives are elected from one constituency. This means that voters in a particular area are represented by more than one person in the legislative body. This system is often used in countries with proportional representation, where political parties are awarded seats based on the proportion of votes they receive. Multi-member constituencies help to ensure that the views of a wider range of constituents are represented in the legislative body.

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The best way to keep military out of politics in developing countries is to ensure good governance. When a country has stable political institutions, a functional democratic system, and an independent judiciary, it becomes difficult for the military to interfere in politics. The military usually intervenes in politics when they feel that the civilian government has failed to provide security, basic needs and social amenities, and is perceived to be corrupt. By ensuring good governance, the civilian government can address the root causes of military intervention, reduce the likelihood of a coup, and prevent the military from being involved in politics. This includes ensuring the rule of law, protecting human rights, promoting economic growth, and providing social services to the citizens.

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The major function of an electoral commission is to make arrangements for the conduct of elections. The electoral commission is responsible for organizing, supervising, and conducting free and fair elections in a country. This includes voter registration, voter education, nomination of candidates, polling, counting of votes, and announcement of results. The electoral commission ensures that elections are conducted in a transparent and impartial manner and that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the election. The commission also has the responsibility of resolving any disputes that may arise during the election process.

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The rule of the privileged nobility is referred to as "aristocracy". Aristocracy is a form of government in which power is held by the nobility, who typically inherit their positions and are typically associated with wealth and hereditary status. In an aristocracy, political power and social status are generally restricted to a small, privileged class of people.

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Universal Adult Suffrage is an indispensable factor in the practice of democracy. Universal Adult Suffrage is a principle that grants all adult citizens the right to vote without discrimination. This means that everyone has an equal opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice, regardless of their social status, wealth, education, or any other characteristic. In a democratic society, where the ultimate power resides with the people, universal suffrage ensures that the government is elected by the people and accountable to them. Therefore, democracy cannot exist without universal suffrage, as it is a fundamental aspect of the democratic process.

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The first president of the Nigerian republic was Nnamdi Azikiwe. Nnamdi Azikiwe was a prominent Nigerian nationalist, statesman and the first president of Nigeria after it became a republic in 1963. He was a key figure in Nigeria's struggle for independence from Britain, and he played an important role in the country's political development both before and after independence. Azikiwe was also a prolific writer, and his books and speeches on African nationalism and the struggle for independence were widely read and influential.

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Under a parliamentary system of government, the removal of the Prime Minister can have a significant political effect. It usually leads to the resignation of the entire Cabinet or the appointment of a new Prime Minister. In some cases, it can also lead to a vote of no confidence and a general election, where citizens have the opportunity to choose a new government. Therefore, the political effect of the removal of the Prime Minister is usually a change in government leadership, either through a resignation or a general election. It does not typically result in the suspension of the constitution or the dissolution of the court of law.

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The best definition for government as an institution of the state is that it is a body that legislates, executes, and interprets laws for the state. The government is responsible for making laws and regulations for the country, enforcing them, and interpreting them. The government provides the framework for the functioning of the state and ensures the welfare of its citizens. It also maintains law and order, provides essential services, and defends the country against external threats. The government consists of various branches such as the executive, legislative, and judiciary, which work together to uphold the rule of law and serve the people.

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The highest stage of socialism is communism. This is a political and economic ideology that seeks to establish a classless and stateless society, in which the means of production are owned and controlled collectively by the workers or the community as a whole. In such a society, all members have equal access to resources and the distribution of goods and services is based on the principle of "from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs." The concept of communism was popularized by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their Communist Manifesto, and it has been implemented in various forms in countries such as the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba.

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The end of each session of the legislature is called prorogation. Prorogation is the formal end of a parliamentary session, after which all unfinished business is terminated. This marks the end of the legislative year and typically involves a speech from the monarch or head of state outlining the government's plans for the coming year. It is different from dissolution, which is the formal end of a parliament, and suspension, which is a temporary pause in the proceedings.

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In a democracy, the Legislature can exert appreciable control on the activities of the Executive. The Legislature, also known as the law-making body, is responsible for enacting laws and overseeing the actions of the Executive. Through its legislative oversight function, the Legislature can scrutinize the activities of the Executive, investigate cases of maladministration or corruption, and make recommendations for improvements. The Legislature can also hold the Executive accountable for its actions by passing votes of no confidence, initiating impeachment proceedings or blocking Executive proposals. The Military, Traditional Rulers and Police do not have the constitutional mandate to control the activities of the Executive in a democracy.

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The West African who became the Secretary General of the Commonwealth is Chief Emeka Anyaoku. He served as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth from 1990 to 2000, and is a Nigerian diplomat and statesman who has made significant contributions to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. He was the first and only person from West Africa to hold this position in the Commonwealth, which is an intergovernmental organization made up of 54 member countries that share historical ties, values, and principles of governance.

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Political authority refers to the legitimate right and power to exercise control over the behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions within a society or state. This authority is derived from the consent of the governed, who acknowledge and accept the right of those in power to make decisions on their behalf. Political authority includes the power to make and enforce laws, regulate the economy, conduct foreign policy, and maintain social order. It is a crucial element in the functioning of any political system, and is often embodied in the form of government institutions such as legislatures, executives, and courts.

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Public opinion refers to the views, beliefs, and attitudes of the general public regarding a particular issue or topic. In a democratic system, the government is accountable to the people it governs. By taking into account public opinion, the government can find out what the people think about its activities, policies, and decisions. This enables the government to gauge the level of support or opposition to its actions and to make decisions that are more in line with the wishes of the people. Additionally, public opinion can help the government to identify emerging issues and concerns that need to be addressed, and to communicate its policies and decisions to the public more effectively. Therefore, the answer is that public opinion enables the government to find out what the people think about its activities.

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One of the advantages of delegated legislation is that it lessens the work of parliament. Delegated legislation is the power given to another body to make laws on behalf of the parliament. It reduces the workload of parliament by allowing them to focus on important matters while the delegated body handles the minor details. This system also allows for faster and more efficient decision-making processes, which can be especially useful in emergency situations. However, it is important to note that delegated legislation should be monitored closely to ensure that it remains within the bounds of the original legislation and does not exceed its authority.

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A foreigner can become a citizen of another state through a legal process called "naturalization." This process involves an application to the country's government, meeting certain eligibility criteria, such as having a permanent residency status, passing a citizenship test, and renouncing the citizenship of the previous country of origin (in some cases). Once the requirements are met and the application is approved, the individual is granted citizenship of the country, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it, such as the right to vote, hold public office, and access public services.

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In a parliamentary system of government, the Chief Executive is known as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the government. The Prime Minister is usually appointed by the head of state, who is often a ceremonial figurehead, and must be a member of the parliament. The Prime Minister is also accountable to the parliament and can be removed from office through a vote of no confidence by the members of parliament.

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The policy making body in the organizational structure of a mass political party is the National Executive Committee (NEC). The NEC is responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing the overall direction of the party. It is usually composed of top-ranking officials and representatives from different regions or factions within the party. The Secretary General of the party, National Chairman, and other key officials may be members of the NEC, but they do not have the same policy-making authority as the committee as a whole. The Parliamentary Committee of the party, on the other hand, is responsible for managing the party's affairs in Parliament, rather than setting policy for the party as a whole.

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To implement Indirect Rule in Eastern Nigeria, the British appointed warrant chiefs. Indirect Rule was a system of colonial administration used by the British in some of their colonies, where they allowed local traditional rulers or elites to maintain some of their authority and use them as intermediaries between the colonial government and the people. In Eastern Nigeria, the British appointed warrant chiefs to serve as intermediaries between the colonial government and the local people. Warrant chiefs were chosen by the British and were given the authority to collect taxes and carry out other administrative duties. However, the system was later abolished due to the widespread abuse of power by the warrant chiefs.

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A federal constitution is usually written and rigid. A federal system of government is characterized by a division of power between the central government and the constituent units. The constitution of a federal state, therefore, spells out the powers and functions of the central and constituent units of the government. A written constitution is required in order to ensure that the powers and functions of the various arms of government are well defined and well understood. A rigid constitution is also necessary to prevent arbitrary changes to the constitution that could undermine the balance of power between the central government and the constituent units.

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The traditional political rule in pre-colonial British West Africa was characterized by rule by consent. In this system, power was exercised by traditional rulers who were chosen by the people and who ruled with the consent of the governed. This was a form of participatory democracy where the people had a say in who governed them and how they were governed. The traditional rulers were seen as custodians of the people's culture and traditions, and their role was to ensure that the customs and values of the people were preserved. The system was not perfect, but it was a reflection of the people's desire for self-determination and the preservation of their way of life.

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An election held to resolve important political questions facing a country is called a "referendum." A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to either accept or reject a particular proposal or question. The purpose of a referendum is to give citizens the opportunity to have their say on important issues affecting their country, such as changes to the constitution, major policy decisions, or changes to the status quo. In this way, a referendum is a key element of a democratic system, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote and participate in the decision-making process of their country.

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According to Marxism, those who own and control productive resources in a capitalist state are "exploiters". This is because Marx believed that in a capitalist system, the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) owned and controlled the means of production (such as factories and machines) while the working class (the proletariat) only owned their labor. The bourgeoisie, therefore, were able to exploit the labor of the working class to generate profits for themselves, resulting in an unequal distribution of wealth and power.

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Elections are held to ensure a peaceful change of government in a democratic system. It provides the citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders through a free and fair voting process. The goal is to allow the people to have a say in who represents them in government and to hold those representatives accountable for their actions. Elections also help to promote political stability and legitimacy by ensuring that leaders have the mandate of the people they govern. Therefore, the main purpose of elections is to provide citizens with a voice in their government and to ensure a smooth transition of power.

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The life of a legislature comes to an end during dissolution. Dissolution is the formal ending of a parliamentary session or the parliament itself before a general election, which marks the end of the current parliament's life. During dissolution, all current MPs cease to be MPs, and the country is left without an active legislative body until a new one is elected. Therefore, dissolution is a critical moment in the life of a legislature, as it marks the end of one term and the beginning of another.

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The Treasury controls government expenditure. It is responsible for managing the government's finances, including collecting revenues and making payments. The Treasury prepares the budget, which outlines the government's planned spending for the year, and monitors government spending to ensure that it stays within budget. The Treasury also works with other government departments to ensure that they are spending their allocated funds appropriately.

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