WAEC SSCE - Government - 2011

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A common feature in a pre-colonial centralized state was "loyalty to one political superior". This means that the citizens of the state were loyal to one political leader who had ultimate power and authority. This political superior was usually a monarch or a king who had control over the entire state. The loyalty of the citizens to the political superior was the basis for the stability and continuity of the state. The citizens were expected to obey the laws and rules of the state, and the political superior was responsible for the protection and welfare of the citizens. This feature was present in many pre-colonial centralized states in Africa and other parts of the world.

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The concept of sovereignty was propounded by Jean Bodin. Bodin was a French philosopher and political theorist who lived in the 16th century. He defined sovereignty as the absolute and perpetual power of a state to command obedience from its subjects within its territorial jurisdiction. Bodin's ideas on sovereignty were influential in the development of modern political thought and became an important concept in the establishment of the modern nation-state system.

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Plurality system is not a form of proportional representation. In plurality system, the candidate with the highest number of votes in a given constituency is declared the winner, regardless of whether or not the candidate has received an absolute majority of votes. This system does not take into account the proportion of votes received by each party or candidate, and does not ensure that the final composition of the parliament or assembly is proportional to the overall preferences of the voters. In contrast, the other three systems listed - Alternative vote, Second ballot, and List system - are all forms of proportional representation that attempt to ensure a fairer distribution of seats based on the proportion of votes received by each party or candidate.

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Communalism is the political concept that promotes sharing and cooperation in a society. Communalism emphasizes the importance of community ownership and control of resources and decision-making processes. In a communal society, individuals work together for the common good and share the benefits and burdens of society equally. This stands in contrast to capitalism, which emphasizes individual ownership and competition, and aristocracy and oligarchy, which emphasize the rule of a privileged few.

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In a two-party system, only two political parties dominate the political scene. This means that these two parties hold a significant amount of power and influence in the political landscape of the country. Other political parties may exist, but they typically have little chance of winning elections or affecting policy decisions. This can lead to a more polarized political environment where the two dominant parties compete for power and control, often leading to a winner-takes-all situation.

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Political socialization refers to the process through which individuals develop their political beliefs, values, and attitudes. It is influenced by various factors, including family, friends, school, media, and the broader social and cultural environment. Out of the options provided, tourism and diplomatic immunity are less likely to contribute to political socialization. Terrorism can have an indirect impact on political socialization by influencing people's attitudes towards security, foreign policy, and the role of the state in protecting its citizens. Gerrymandering, however, is not a factor that contributes to political socialization, as it refers to the manipulation of electoral boundaries for political gain, rather than the development of political beliefs and attitudes.

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The study of government in school is important because it helps students to learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, understand how government works and how it affects their daily lives. It also helps them to develop critical thinking skills, become informed and engaged citizens, and actively participate in their communities. By learning about the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the importance of civic engagement, students can become better prepared to make informed decisions, advocate for their beliefs, and contribute to the development of a just and democratic society.

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The lowest in the hierarchy of a feudal system is the serfs. Serfs were peasants who were tied to the land they worked on and were under the control of a lord. They were considered the property of the lord and had few, if any, rights. They were obligated to work on the lord's land, pay rent, and provide military service. In exchange, the lord provided protection and allowed them to work the land. Knights and nobles were higher in the feudal hierarchy as they held more power and had more privileges.

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The institution connected with law adjudication is the judiciary. The judiciary is one of the three arms of government responsible for interpreting and enforcing the laws of the land. The judiciary is made up of judges and magistrates who are appointed to preside over court cases, interpret the law, and ensure justice is served. They listen to evidence presented in court, weigh the facts of the case, and make decisions or judgments based on the law. The judiciary is an important institution in any democracy because it provides a check on the other branches of government, ensuring that their actions are in line with the law and protecting the rights of citizens.

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Efficiency of public corporations can be enhanced through less government interference. When public corporations are less encumbered by government bureaucracy and interference, they can be more agile and make decisions more quickly. This can lead to increased productivity, better use of resources, and ultimately, improved efficiency. Additionally, less government interference can lead to more accountability and transparency, as public corporations are given more autonomy to manage their affairs in a responsible manner.

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Citizenship is the status of being a member of a particular country and enjoying the rights and privileges that come with it. In some cases, a person may want to change their citizenship, for example, to become a citizen of another country. This can be done through a process known as renunciation, where the individual formally gives up their citizenship of their current country. This process usually involves filling out specific forms and submitting them to the relevant authorities, and may also involve meeting certain requirements such as residing in the new country for a specific period of time. Therefore, the correct answer is "renunciation".

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Popular sovereignty is a political concept that means ultimate political power resides with the people. This means that the people have the authority to govern themselves through the decisions they make, either directly or through their elected representatives. Therefore, the answer to the question is the electorate, which refers to the body of people entitled to vote in an election, as they are the ones who have the power to determine the course of a nation's governance through their votes.

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In the pre-colonial era, a chief could be deposed if he persistently neglected the advice of his elders. In traditional African societies, the chief was not an absolute ruler but was expected to consult and work closely with his council of elders who represented various groups and interests in the community. If the chief failed to heed the advice of these elders and acted against the interests of the community, he could be removed from office. This was seen as a way of maintaining balance and ensuring that the chief remained accountable to the people he was supposed to lead.

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Setting up of a Constituent Assembly is a process in the transition from military to civil rule. A Constituent Assembly is a body of elected representatives that is tasked with the responsibility of drafting or revising a country's constitution. In the context of a transition from military to civil rule, setting up a Constituent Assembly is an important step towards creating a democratic and civilian government. The assembly can ensure that the constitution is amended to remove clauses that give the military excessive powers and provide for free and fair elections. This can help to create a stable and peaceful democratic system. Therefore, out of the options given, setting up of a Constituent Assembly is the process in the transition from military to civil rule.

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The political system that discourages socialism is fascism. Fascism is a far-right political ideology that believes in a strong central government, authoritarianism, and the suppression of individual freedoms. It promotes extreme nationalism and often utilizes propaganda and force to maintain control. Socialism, on the other hand, advocates for social ownership of the means of production and distribution of wealth, with an emphasis on equal distribution of resources. These two ideologies are fundamentally opposed, and fascist regimes have historically been known for their suppression of socialist movements and ideas.

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The concept of political culture was introduced by Gabriel Almond, an American political scientist. He argued that the beliefs, values, and attitudes of a society towards politics and government influence the way in which the political system operates. This includes factors such as the level of trust citizens have in their leaders, the degree of political participation, and the ways in which people view the role of government in society. Political culture is an important factor to consider in understanding how a political system functions, as it shapes the behavior of both politicians and citizens.

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The principle of rule of law was popularized by A.V. Dicey. Dicey was a British jurist and constitutional theorist who lived in the 19th century. He wrote a book titled "Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution" in which he outlined the principles of the rule of law. According to Dicey, the rule of law means that no one is above the law and everyone, including government officials, must obey the law. He argued that the rule of law is essential for protecting individual rights and ensuring a fair and just society. Dicey's ideas have had a significant influence on the development of constitutional law and the rule of law in many countries around the world.

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International laws place limitations to the application of sovereignty in a state. Sovereignty refers to the supreme power of a state to govern itself without any external interference. However, in today's globalized world, states are bound by international laws and treaties which limit their ability to exercise sovereignty. For example, a state may be bound by international human rights laws which limit its ability to mistreat its citizens or by environmental agreements which limit its ability to pollute the environment. Thus, the application of sovereignty is limited by international laws which are recognized by states as being binding upon them.

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A capitalist state is one in which private individuals control the economy. This means that private individuals or companies own and control the means of production and distribution, such as factories, businesses, and natural resources. The government in a capitalist state does not control these things, although it may regulate them to some extent. The workers in a capitalist state may or may not be exploited, depending on factors such as the labor laws and the power dynamics between employers and employees. However, exploitation is generally seen as a common feature of capitalist economies. Finally, there is usually a class struggle in a capitalist state, as different classes of people have different levels of economic power and influence.

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Political socialization refers to the process of teaching and learning political culture. Political culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize a society and guide political activity. Political socialization can occur through various means, such as family, education, media, peers, and religious institutions. The goal is to impart an understanding of how the political system works and the norms that govern it. By learning political culture, individuals can participate in the political process and make informed decisions about governance. Therefore, the correct option is "socialization".

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An open market economy is a unique feature of capitalism. In an open market economy, the production and distribution of goods and services are determined by the interaction of supply and demand in a competitive market. It is characterized by private ownership of the means of production, the pursuit of profit, and the free exchange of goods and services in the market. The government’s role in such an economy is usually limited to providing a framework of laws and regulations that ensures fair competition and protects property rights. Capitalism encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth, but it can also lead to income inequality and market failures if left unchecked.

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Among the given options, "cognitive orientation" is a component of political culture. Cognitive orientation refers to the beliefs, attitudes, and values that individuals hold about politics and government. It includes their understanding of the role of government, their views on specific policies and issues, and their level of trust in political institutions. These orientations are shaped by a variety of factors, such as family upbringing, education, and socialization experiences, and can vary widely between individuals and societies. Therefore, studying cognitive orientation is an essential component of understanding a society's political culture.

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A basic principle of democracy is the rule by the majority and the protection of the minority. This means that in a democratic system of government, decisions are made based on the majority's will, but the rights and interests of minorities are also protected. The majority rule ensures that the will of the people is reflected in government decisions, while the protection of the minority ensures that the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political views, are respected and upheld. This principle ensures that everyone has a voice in the decision-making process, and that the government represents the will of the people as a whole, not just a particular group or elite. The other options listed are not basic principles of democracy, as they either exclude certain groups or focus on specific political structures or organizations.

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Taxation as a feature of Indirect Rule served as a source of revenue for colonial administration. Indirect Rule was a system of governance used by colonial powers, where they used pre-existing local structures of governance and traditional rulers to rule their colonies. Taxation was one of the key tools used by colonial powers to raise revenue to fund their administration. Taxes were imposed on various goods and services, and the revenue generated was used to fund the salaries of colonial officials, maintain infrastructure, and support other colonial activities. Thus, taxation was an important feature of Indirect Rule as it allowed the colonial administration to sustain its operations and maintain its grip on power.

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Government as an institution of the state is defined as a body which makes, enforces and interprets laws for the state. In other words, government is responsible for creating policies, regulations and rules that govern a country or state. The government is also responsible for enforcing these laws and interpreting them through the judiciary system. Additionally, the government may also have the power to conduct elections, hire and train political leaders, and carry out various administrative functions related to the management of the state.

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The highest stage of socialism is communism. Communism is a political ideology and economic system in which the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the community as a whole. In a communist society, resources are distributed based on the needs of the people, rather than the accumulation of wealth by individuals or corporations. The ultimate goal of communism is the establishment of a classless society in which all individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities.

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The functions of the state are achieved through organs of government. Organs of government are the institutions and bodies that carry out the functions of the state. These organs include the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces laws, and the judiciary interprets laws. These organs of government work together to ensure the smooth running of the state and the provision of services to its citizens. Examples of services provided by the state include security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The functions of the state are critical in maintaining order and promoting the welfare of the citizens.

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The primary function of government in a state is to maintain law and order. This means that the government is responsible for creating and enforcing laws, ensuring the safety of citizens, and protecting their rights. In order to achieve this, governments may employ police forces, courts, and other institutions to maintain peace and stability within the state. While governments may also provide a range of other services to citizens, such as transportation and social welfare programs, their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the people they govern.

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Under the British Crown Colony system of administration, the head of the executive council was the Governor-General. The Governor-General was the representative of the British monarch in the colony, and he had executive authority over the colony. He was responsible for appointing the members of the executive council, which advised him on matters of governance. The head of the executive council was usually the Governor-General, although sometimes it was the chief minister or the head of government business.

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Political authority refers to the legitimate right to exercise political power over a particular group or society. It involves the ability to make and enforce decisions that affect the members of that group or society. Political authority can be acquired through various means, such as election, appointment, or inheritance, and it is typically accompanied by certain legal or constitutional powers that allow the exercise of that authority. The legitimacy of political authority depends on a variety of factors, such as popular acceptance, adherence to legal or constitutional norms, and the ability to provide effective governance.

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The characteristic that is not associated with confederation is: "Sovereignty resides in the centre." In a confederation, sovereignty is vested in the constituent units (states, provinces, or territories), and not in the central government. The central government has limited powers, and the constituent units have more autonomy in decision-making. The other characteristics of a confederation include the right to secede, autonomous units that are more powerful than the centre, and decisions are taken through an agreement between the centre and the constituent units.

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A communist system recognizes the need of the collective community rather than that of an individual. It seeks to create a classless society where there is no division of labour and resources are equally distributed among all members of the society. In a communist system, the means of production are owned and controlled by the state, and economic decisions are made by the central government. The goal of communism is to create a society in which everyone is equal and all needs are met through collective ownership and control of resources.

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The objective of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to promote economic development among member states. This regional organization was established in 1975 with the aim of promoting economic cooperation and integration among West African countries. Its main goal is to create a common market in the region, increase trade, and promote economic development. ECOWAS also works towards achieving political stability, peace, and security in West Africa by mediating in conflicts and promoting good governance. However, its primary objective remains economic integration and development.

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Democracy originated from Greece. The concept of democracy was first introduced in Athens, Greece in the 5th century BC. The word "democracy" comes from the Greek words "demos" meaning "people" and "kratos" meaning "rule" or "power". Athenian democracy was a direct democracy where citizens gathered in assemblies to vote directly on laws and policies. Although Athenian democracy was limited to free male citizens, it provided the foundation for modern democratic systems. Today, democracy has become the most widely accepted form of government, with many countries adopting democratic principles and systems.

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The manor is a unique feature of feudalism. Feudalism was a political and economic system that emerged in medieval Europe. It was characterized by a hierarchical system of land ownership and obligations. The manor was a self-sufficient economic unit that was owned by a lord and worked by peasants. The lord provided protection for the peasants, who in turn worked the land and paid tribute to the lord in the form of labor, goods, or money. The manor was a key feature of feudalism as it formed the basis of the feudal economic system.

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The body charged with the responsibility of preparing a new constitution in a country is the constituent assembly. A constituent assembly is a body of elected or appointed individuals who are charged with the responsibility of drafting or adopting a new constitution. The constituent assembly is usually made up of representatives of various interest groups, political parties, and other stakeholders in the society, who come together to deliberate on the fundamental principles, values, and norms that should guide the governance of the country. The constituent assembly is a critical part of the constitutional reform process, as it ensures that the views and aspirations of the people are reflected in the new constitution.

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Foreign domination by a group of people for social and economic benefits is known as colonialism. Colonialism involves the control of a weaker country or territory by a stronger country, often for the purpose of exploiting the weaker country's resources, labor, and markets. This can involve political, economic, and cultural domination, as well as the displacement and subjugation of the indigenous population.

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A function of a head of state is to receive foreign dignitaries. The head of state is a symbolic representation of the state itself and acts as its highest representative in matters of diplomacy, foreign relations, and protocol. As such, receiving foreign dignitaries is one of the essential functions of a head of state. It involves welcoming and entertaining visiting foreign leaders, ambassadors, or other official representatives of foreign countries or organizations. This function helps to foster good relations between the host country and other nations, as well as to showcase the host country's culture and hospitality.

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The ability to enforce obedience is known as power. Power refers to the ability to influence or control the behavior of individuals or groups. It can be obtained through various means such as physical force, wealth, knowledge, status, or authority. In politics, power is often associated with the government or the state, which has the legitimate authority to enforce obedience through laws and regulations. The possession of power can bring about various advantages, such as the ability to protect oneself or one's interests, but it can also be used to oppress or exploit others.

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A unique feature of a state is organized laws. A state is a political entity that has a defined territory, a permanent population, and a government with the power to make and enforce laws. The government's ability to enforce laws and provide order is what sets a state apart from other types of social organizations. Without organized laws, a state would be unable to maintain order and protect the rights of its citizens. The laws help to regulate social behavior and provide a framework for resolving disputes and conflicts in a peaceful manner.

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Political parties mainly present their manifestoes to the electorate on Campaigns and rallies. This is because rallies and campaigns are a way for political parties to connect with the electorate, and to communicate their policies and plans to the people. During rallies and campaigns, party leaders and candidates speak directly to the people, outlining their plans and answering questions. It is an opportunity for the parties to showcase their ideas and to rally support for their candidates. Therefore, campaigns and rallies are a critical platform for political parties to present their manifestoes to the electorate.

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The extent to which citizens accept the institutions, officials, and activities of their government is known as legitimacy. It refers to the perception that the government has the right to rule and exercise authority over the citizens. Legitimacy is essential for a government to maintain stability and order in society. When citizens view their government as legitimate, they are more likely to follow its laws and regulations voluntarily. Conversely, if citizens perceive their government as illegitimate, they may resist its authority and challenge its power. Legitimacy is often earned through the democratic process, including free and fair elections and respect for human rights.

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Power is transferred into authority through legitimacy. In political science, power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of people. On the other hand, authority is the right to exercise power or give orders. Legitimacy is the recognition by the people that the authority of a particular person or government is valid and justified. It is the acceptance of the right of a person or government to wield power, and it comes from the people who are governed. When power is accepted as legitimate, it is transformed into authority. Therefore, legitimacy is a key factor in the transformation of power into authority.

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Feudalism is a social and economic system that was prevalent in medieval Europe. A common feature of feudalism is hierarchical land ownership between the lords and the serfs. The lords were the owners of the land and the serfs were bound to the land, which they worked in exchange for protection and security provided by the lord. The lord provided land, protection, and justice to the serfs, who in turn paid rents, taxes, and other dues to the lord. This relationship was characterized by a strict hierarchy, with the lord at the top, followed by the vassals, knights, and serfs at the bottom. The ownership of land was a key aspect of this system, and the hierarchy was maintained through strict rules and regulations that governed the relations between the lords and the serfs.

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